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. It simply involves small groups of teachers visiting an experienced colleague and observing his methods of teaching. This is done to allow less experienced teachers to to get new ideas and to grow professionally. The observer groups are kept small, only stay for a short period and they take no part in the class that they observe.
Before they attend the class of the teacher that will be observed, the observers first gather to set objectives for the session. In most cases, the teacher that will be observed is well know for the effective use of certain aids or techniques to increase the effectiveness of his teaching. For example, some teachers use humour very effectively whilst others may be especially good at using visual aids. Observers normally focus on those special talents of the teacher to be 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.
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.
There are many advantages to instructional rounds and everyone benefits. The teacher that was under observation is gratified by the fact that his colleagues hold him in such high esteem. The observers get the chance to learn and to develop professionally. Eventually, the quality of education in general becomes better, students benefit from more interesting lessons and in many instances the results in the class room improves.
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. It simply involves small groups of teachers visiting an experienced colleague and observing his methods of teaching. This is done to allow less experienced teachers to to get new ideas and to grow professionally. The observer groups are kept small, only stay for a short period and they take no part in the class that they observe.
Before they attend the class of the teacher that will be observed, the observers first gather to set objectives for the session. In most cases, the teacher that will be observed is well know for the effective use of certain aids or techniques to increase the effectiveness of his teaching. For example, some teachers use humour very effectively whilst others may be especially good at using visual aids. Observers normally focus on those special talents of the teacher to be 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.
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.
There are many advantages to instructional rounds and everyone benefits. The teacher that was under observation is gratified by the fact that his colleagues hold him in such high esteem. The observers get the chance to learn and to develop professionally. Eventually, the quality of education in general becomes better, students benefit from more interesting lessons and in many instances the results in the class room improves.
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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