The majority of teachers are dedicated professionals that want to make a difference in the lives of their learners. Unfortunately, they are overwhelmed with numerous responsibilities. They teach, perform many admin duties, are involved with extra curricular activities and attend many time consuming meetings. There is little time to develop professionally and the budget rarely stretches as far as to fund formal further training. Thankfully, school based instructional rounds can help teachers to become better at their jobs and to grow as individuals.
It is very easy to implement such a system. Basically, a small group of teachers visit the class of another teacher in order to observe him in action. The teacher being observed is normally one with a reputation for getting good results and they normally have lots of experience. The observers do not become involved in the class. They simply watch and learn. The system is always voluntary.
Before every observation session, the observers meet. During this meeting they set some goals for the forthcoming session. In most cases, these goals will relate to some aspect for which the teacher that will be observed is particularly known. He may, for example, be known for using multimedia very effectively. The goals of the observers will then focus on this particular aspect, the use of multimedia to enhance the classroom experience.
Observation sessions should never be confused with formal evaluation sessions. The purpose of observation session is definitely not to conduct evaluation at all. The sole purpose is for the observers to watch and to learn. They do not interfere in the class and they do not participate in any way. This is explained to the learners too. After the session, the observers do not provide feedback.
Once the session is over, the observers meet again. The purpose of the meeting is to share the experience with each other. Participants are encouraged to discuss the lessons that they have learnt, the ideas that they gained and the ways in which these can be used to improve their own class room techniques. Observers are not allowed to criticise in any way and they do not compile a report either. The meeting is, in fact, strictly confidential.
This way of learning from accomplished colleagues have become extremely popular. Many colleges and universities have also implemented similar systems. Participants generally agree that they find the observation session very useful and that they have been able to improve their own teaching techniques in the process. Even the teachers that are observed benefit because the very fact that they asked to agree means that they are viewed as accomplished professionals.
There always has to be critics. They say that these systems are worthless, mostly because they are far too informal and too short. They say that if there is no element of evaluation then there can be no corrective action. Supporters, however, point out that the purpose of these sessions is not to improve the one being observed, but rather to give the observers an opportunity to learn.
There can be no doubt that the entire education system is under great pressure. Every effort that is made to improve the quality of education should be applauded and supported. Earning from one another is an economical and practical step forward.
It is very easy to implement such a system. Basically, a small group of teachers visit the class of another teacher in order to observe him in action. The teacher being observed is normally one with a reputation for getting good results and they normally have lots of experience. The observers do not become involved in the class. They simply watch and learn. The system is always voluntary.
Before every observation session, the observers meet. During this meeting they set some goals for the forthcoming session. In most cases, these goals will relate to some aspect for which the teacher that will be observed is particularly known. He may, for example, be known for using multimedia very effectively. The goals of the observers will then focus on this particular aspect, the use of multimedia to enhance the classroom experience.
Observation sessions should never be confused with formal evaluation sessions. The purpose of observation session is definitely not to conduct evaluation at all. The sole purpose is for the observers to watch and to learn. They do not interfere in the class and they do not participate in any way. This is explained to the learners too. After the session, the observers do not provide feedback.
Once the session is over, the observers meet again. The purpose of the meeting is to share the experience with each other. Participants are encouraged to discuss the lessons that they have learnt, the ideas that they gained and the ways in which these can be used to improve their own class room techniques. Observers are not allowed to criticise in any way and they do not compile a report either. The meeting is, in fact, strictly confidential.
This way of learning from accomplished colleagues have become extremely popular. Many colleges and universities have also implemented similar systems. Participants generally agree that they find the observation session very useful and that they have been able to improve their own teaching techniques in the process. Even the teachers that are observed benefit because the very fact that they asked to agree means that they are viewed as accomplished professionals.
There always has to be critics. They say that these systems are worthless, mostly because they are far too informal and too short. They say that if there is no element of evaluation then there can be no corrective action. Supporters, however, point out that the purpose of these sessions is not to improve the one being observed, but rather to give the observers an opportunity to learn.
There can be no doubt that the entire education system is under great pressure. Every effort that is made to improve the quality of education should be applauded and supported. Earning from one another is an economical and practical step forward.
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