Those with fond memories of their school days, when classes were orderly, punishment was fair but quick and students vied for the favour of the teacher are in for a very rude awakening if they could see a modern school in session. Teachers are not only expected to teach and to obtain acceptable results, but they are also swamped with paper work and extra curricular activities. Since the introduction of lesson observation, at least teachers get the opportunity to learn from their colleagues.
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.
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.
After the observation session the observers meet once more to compare notes. They share the lessons that they have learnt, the ideas that they developed and their plans on how to implement these lessons and ideas in their own class rooms. No report of this entire observation session is compiled and all discussions are deemed to be confidential. This simply makes it easier to arrange future observation sessions.
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.
The informal system of instructional rounds has its critics. They say that these sessions are a waste of time, firstly because the teacher under observation will make extra efforts to impress his colleagues and also because the system is too informal. Supporters, however, say that they benefit from the system and that they would, in fact, want to see the system being expanded to all schools.
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.
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.
After the observation session the observers meet once more to compare notes. They share the lessons that they have learnt, the ideas that they developed and their plans on how to implement these lessons and ideas in their own class rooms. No report of this entire observation session is compiled and all discussions are deemed to be confidential. This simply makes it easier to arrange future observation sessions.
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.
The informal system of instructional rounds has its critics. They say that these sessions are a waste of time, firstly because the teacher under observation will make extra efforts to impress his colleagues and also because the system is too informal. Supporters, however, say that they benefit from the system and that they would, in fact, want to see the system being expanded to all schools.
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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