Being a teacher used to be a calling but in modern times teachers often have to work under conditions that are sometimes dangerous and often without the necessary resources. They are expected to teach, to build relationships with all the learners in very large classes and they are often buried under paper work. Then they have to be part of the extra curricular program too. Since the inception of lesson observation, however, many teachers have grasped the opportunity for personal development.
Instructional rounds, as the system is formally called, is an uncomplicated but highly effective way of allowing teachers to learn from each other. Small groups of teachers attend the class of a well regarded or senior teacher to observe but not to participate. The idea is to gain ideas to improve their own teaching and to see how other teachers employ specific techniques to achieve positive results in the class room.
The observers get together prior to every observation session in order to set objectives for the event. In most cases, teachers asked to allow their classes to be observed are very accomplished, obtain excellent results and usually employ a variety of teaching strategies in their class rooms. The objectives of each session ordinarily focus on the known strong points of the teacher to be observed but they are not made known to him.
The one single purpose of instructional rounds is to learn. Observers therefore do not complete any type of evaluation form nor are they expected to provide feedback to the teacher that was observed. This very fact makes it easier for teachers to agree to being observed. In some cases the observed teacher may request feedback and then it is normally provided orally, not in writing.
The observers meet once again as soon as the observation session is over. During this meeting they compare notes, comment on the techniques used by the observed teacher and share the lesson that each member learned and the ideas that they have of implementing those new ideas in their own class rooms. These discussions are strictly confidential and there is certainly no official report made to anyone.
There are many advantages to instructional rounds and everyone benefits. The teacher that was under observation is gratified by the fact that his colleagues hold him in such high esteem. The observers get the chance to learn and to develop professionally. Eventually, the quality of education in general becomes better, students benefit from more interesting lessons and in many instances the results in the class room improves.
There are critics of the system, of course. They complain that these sessions are rendered worthless because they are so informal and short. They also allege that teachers, knowing that they will be under observation, do not teach the way they normally do because they want their colleagues to be impressed. They make special preparations and even involve the learners. Supports of the system say this is simply not true and that instructional rounds are extremely valuable.
Nobody will argue the fact that the educational system is under immense pressure. Any action to improve the quality of teaching, to improve results and to allow teachers to develop their professional capacity must be lauded. More contact between teachers is also beneficial to the entire system.
Instructional rounds, as the system is formally called, is an uncomplicated but highly effective way of allowing teachers to learn from each other. Small groups of teachers attend the class of a well regarded or senior teacher to observe but not to participate. The idea is to gain ideas to improve their own teaching and to see how other teachers employ specific techniques to achieve positive results in the class room.
The observers get together prior to every observation session in order to set objectives for the event. In most cases, teachers asked to allow their classes to be observed are very accomplished, obtain excellent results and usually employ a variety of teaching strategies in their class rooms. The objectives of each session ordinarily focus on the known strong points of the teacher to be observed but they are not made known to him.
The one single purpose of instructional rounds is to learn. Observers therefore do not complete any type of evaluation form nor are they expected to provide feedback to the teacher that was observed. This very fact makes it easier for teachers to agree to being observed. In some cases the observed teacher may request feedback and then it is normally provided orally, not in writing.
The observers meet once again as soon as the observation session is over. During this meeting they compare notes, comment on the techniques used by the observed teacher and share the lesson that each member learned and the ideas that they have of implementing those new ideas in their own class rooms. These discussions are strictly confidential and there is certainly no official report made to anyone.
There are many advantages to instructional rounds and everyone benefits. The teacher that was under observation is gratified by the fact that his colleagues hold him in such high esteem. The observers get the chance to learn and to develop professionally. Eventually, the quality of education in general becomes better, students benefit from more interesting lessons and in many instances the results in the class room improves.
There are critics of the system, of course. They complain that these sessions are rendered worthless because they are so informal and short. They also allege that teachers, knowing that they will be under observation, do not teach the way they normally do because they want their colleagues to be impressed. They make special preparations and even involve the learners. Supports of the system say this is simply not true and that instructional rounds are extremely valuable.
Nobody will argue the fact that the educational system is under immense pressure. Any action to improve the quality of teaching, to improve results and to allow teachers to develop their professional capacity must be lauded. More contact between teachers is also beneficial to the entire system.
About the Author:
To get top tips on improving lesson observation, simply spend a few moments reviewing our online posts. Teachers will find this website at http://www.instructionalrounds.com highly useful and informative.
No comments:
Post a Comment