Some teachers dread lesson observation. However, the trick is to approach the whole procedure in the right frame of mind. Feedback is one of the keys to a successful interaction between the observer and the observed. Teachers should be open to constructive feedback and they should also not be too put off by criticism as long as it's fair and balanced.
Each lesson must be treated by the teacher as though it's being observed. All lessons should be planned and prepared. By preparing as you would when being observed you will always be prepared for when you are eventually observed. You'll also not be too fazed by the whole process when it eventually comes about.
It's vital to treat the whole procedure as if it were like any normal day. If you're nervous or too self conscious about the process then you probably will not perform your best. To this end, make sure you don't try to put on a show of things. Just be the same as you are every day and the feedback will be far more valuable because it will reflect the real you.
If you're an assessor then to make things interesting you may wish to observe the reactions of the children more than the teacher. It might be worth noting how often they smile or laugh and what their body language is telling you. A successful teacher will often do less talking and allow the students to have their say, making the class more engaging.
The whole experience of being observed or being the observer is part of a learning process. If you're an observer then always be on the lookout for what makes certain teachers able to command their audience more than others. Some teachers have a way of dealing with their subject and their students that could help provide feedback for other teachers.
Teachers that wish to have a recording of their observation might well be able to get one from the school. This, along with a recording of the feedback, can really help to pinpoint those ares which can be strengthened. If the teacher really works on those areas which are a weakness then they'll be able to approach the next assessment with confidence.
Never underestimate the feedback of students. They are your customers and if there's any way you can help improve their learning experience you should try and grab it. It's far from a weakness to ask them what they think of the lesson and what you can do to make the experience in class a little more memorable.
The thing to remember when it comes to lesson observation is that the teacher and the observer are a team. If there is some way of being able to have the observer take part in lessons that might make the teacher feel at ease. You may also wish to share your goals and objectives with the observer before the process begins.
Each lesson must be treated by the teacher as though it's being observed. All lessons should be planned and prepared. By preparing as you would when being observed you will always be prepared for when you are eventually observed. You'll also not be too fazed by the whole process when it eventually comes about.
It's vital to treat the whole procedure as if it were like any normal day. If you're nervous or too self conscious about the process then you probably will not perform your best. To this end, make sure you don't try to put on a show of things. Just be the same as you are every day and the feedback will be far more valuable because it will reflect the real you.
If you're an assessor then to make things interesting you may wish to observe the reactions of the children more than the teacher. It might be worth noting how often they smile or laugh and what their body language is telling you. A successful teacher will often do less talking and allow the students to have their say, making the class more engaging.
The whole experience of being observed or being the observer is part of a learning process. If you're an observer then always be on the lookout for what makes certain teachers able to command their audience more than others. Some teachers have a way of dealing with their subject and their students that could help provide feedback for other teachers.
Teachers that wish to have a recording of their observation might well be able to get one from the school. This, along with a recording of the feedback, can really help to pinpoint those ares which can be strengthened. If the teacher really works on those areas which are a weakness then they'll be able to approach the next assessment with confidence.
Never underestimate the feedback of students. They are your customers and if there's any way you can help improve their learning experience you should try and grab it. It's far from a weakness to ask them what they think of the lesson and what you can do to make the experience in class a little more memorable.
The thing to remember when it comes to lesson observation is that the teacher and the observer are a team. If there is some way of being able to have the observer take part in lessons that might make the teacher feel at ease. You may also wish to share your goals and objectives with the observer before the process begins.