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Why Lesson Observation Improves The Quality Of Education

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By Henry Murphy


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.

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.

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.

Instructional rounds offer many benefits. Not only do the observers learn from a respected colleague, but the teacher under observation is motivated because he knows that only accomplished teachers are requested to agree to be observed. In the process, the quality of education improves and innovation in the class rooms are accomplished. This means that, ultimately, it is the learners and the general educational system that benefit.

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.

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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