Teaching have changed a lot since the days when teachers presented lessons, set tests and exams and helped out with extracurricular activities. Modern teachers work extremely hard and, sadly, very often under immense pressure and very difficult, sometimes even threatening situations and they are still expected to produce good results. They have heaps of paper work on top of all their other responsibilities and they seldom have time for personal development. Luckily, lesson observation addresses some of the problems.
The system of observing other teachers in action is called instructional rounds. There is nothing complicated about it. A small group of teachers, normally inexperienced ones, attends the class of a more experienced teacher in order to learn from him. The observing teachers do not interrupt the class in any way. The learners are told what the observation session is for and to simply ignore them and behave as they normally would.
Before they attend the class of the teacher that will be observed, the observers first gather to set objectives for the session. In most cases, the teacher that will be observed is well know for the effective use of certain aids or techniques to increase the effectiveness of his teaching. For example, some teachers use humour very effectively whilst others may be especially good at using visual aids. Observers normally focus on those special talents of the teacher to be observed.
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.
Once the observation session is finished, the observers meet once more to share the new ideas that they have developed and the highlights of the class. They also discuss ways in which to implement these new ideas and techniques in their own teaching environments. These discussions are treated as very confidential and observers never submit a report.
There are many benefits to be had from instructional rounds. The teacher observers experience professional growth and they are often inspired to introduce new ideas and methods in their own class rooms. The teacher that was under observation is often newly inspired because he was deemed worthy to learn from. Eventually, the whole educational system is improved, the learners benefit greatly and results are better.
Not everyone is enthusiastic about instructional rounds. Critics are of the opinion that the observation periods are too short and that the entire system is too informal. They also allege that teachers under observation do not teach as they normally would but that they make an extra effort to impress their colleagues. Supporters say that the system has proven to be beneficial. Participants say they learn a lot and they enjoy the professional contact with other teachers.
One thing is certain. The educational system is under pressure. There are not enough resources and teachers are over worked. Instructional rounds seems to be beneficial and should therefore be supported by all role players.
The system of observing other teachers in action is called instructional rounds. There is nothing complicated about it. A small group of teachers, normally inexperienced ones, attends the class of a more experienced teacher in order to learn from him. The observing teachers do not interrupt the class in any way. The learners are told what the observation session is for and to simply ignore them and behave as they normally would.
Before they attend the class of the teacher that will be observed, the observers first gather to set objectives for the session. In most cases, the teacher that will be observed is well know for the effective use of certain aids or techniques to increase the effectiveness of his teaching. For example, some teachers use humour very effectively whilst others may be especially good at using visual aids. Observers normally focus on those special talents of the teacher to be observed.
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.
Once the observation session is finished, the observers meet once more to share the new ideas that they have developed and the highlights of the class. They also discuss ways in which to implement these new ideas and techniques in their own teaching environments. These discussions are treated as very confidential and observers never submit a report.
There are many benefits to be had from instructional rounds. The teacher observers experience professional growth and they are often inspired to introduce new ideas and methods in their own class rooms. The teacher that was under observation is often newly inspired because he was deemed worthy to learn from. Eventually, the whole educational system is improved, the learners benefit greatly and results are better.
Not everyone is enthusiastic about instructional rounds. Critics are of the opinion that the observation periods are too short and that the entire system is too informal. They also allege that teachers under observation do not teach as they normally would but that they make an extra effort to impress their colleagues. Supporters say that the system has proven to be beneficial. Participants say they learn a lot and they enjoy the professional contact with other teachers.
One thing is certain. The educational system is under pressure. There are not enough resources and teachers are over worked. Instructional rounds seems to be beneficial and should therefore be supported by all role players.
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