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.
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 each session, the observers meet to determine the objectives that they hope to meet. Many teachers that agree to be observed is well known for one or more talents or effective techniques in the class room. It is usually these special talents in action that they want to learn from. Observer objectives always focus on the strong points of the teacher being observed.
There is only one aim to be achieved during instructional rounds and that is to learn how to become a better teacher. No feedback is given to the teacher under observation unless he specifically requests feedback. No evaluation forms are completed, but the observers are allowed to take notes. The aim of the sessions are explained to the students before the class commences.
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 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.
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.
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 each session, the observers meet to determine the objectives that they hope to meet. Many teachers that agree to be observed is well known for one or more talents or effective techniques in the class room. It is usually these special talents in action that they want to learn from. Observer objectives always focus on the strong points of the teacher being observed.
There is only one aim to be achieved during instructional rounds and that is to learn how to become a better teacher. No feedback is given to the teacher under observation unless he specifically requests feedback. No evaluation forms are completed, but the observers are allowed to take notes. The aim of the sessions are explained to the students before the class commences.
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 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.
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.
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.
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