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.
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.
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.
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.
Learning form experienced and accomplished colleagues is an age old tradition. Everything that is done to improve the quality of educations should be applauded and supported. The system not only help teachers to improve their own performance, but also provide an opportunity for teachers to establish communication channels between each other.
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.
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.
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.
Learning form experienced and accomplished colleagues is an age old tradition. Everything that is done to improve the quality of educations should be applauded and supported. The system not only help teachers to improve their own performance, but also provide an opportunity for teachers to establish communication channels between each other.
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