Teacher Observation

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Recommended: Describe classroom observation approaches

The most distinctive of these very good teachers is that their practice is the result of careful reflection . . . They themselves learn lessons each time they teach, evaluating what they do and using these self-critical evaluations to adjust what they do next time.
(Why Colleges Succeed, Ofsted 2004, para. 19)

Introduction of Classroom Observation

During my first Middle Management meeting I experienced a feeling of dread when hearing the word ‘observation’. On the whole, there was nervousness in the atmosphere and immediately I had a sensation of worthlessness as I looked around the room at more experienced teachers. Unfortunately, the word ‘observation’ encourages reminiscence of past stress and bad experiences for myself and in general creates an image of ‘inspectors, clipboards, checklists and fear of being judged unfairly’ Smith, R 2006. From experience, teachers do not like to be observed with the possibility of being scrutinised by another person and have a feeling of anxiety in relation to observations.

An observation which is not carried out properly is seen to somewhat make a teacher concentrate on performance rather than the pupils learning. I believe that Lesson Observations carried out in my career have been involved in a short-term tick box system rather than having a focus of long-term improvement. Observations should be used more effectively as ‘classroom observation has a role in the evaluation and monitoring of teachers that is separate from inspections and performance management requirements.’ NUT 2004

Luckily, most teachers that I have spoken to do understand the importance of an observation and it is easy to forget that the true purpose of a Lesson Observation is not to fin...

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...chers (2004), Classroom Observation – A Guidance for School Representatives.

OFSTED, (2004) Why colleges Succeed.
O’Leary, Matt (2014) Classroom Observation: A Guide to the Effective Observation of Teaching and Learning, Routledge, Oxon.
Pollard, Andrew (2014) Readings for Reflective Teaching in schools, 2nd edition, Bloomsbury, London.
P’Rayan, A (2013). Peer Observation of Teaching: A tool for Professional Development.
Roberson, B. (2008) Peer Observation and Assessment of Teaching, University of Texas
Skills For Life (2005) Leading, Learning and Skills
Smith, R. (2006) Getting the Best from Classroom Observation, Secondary Headship.

Tweedle, C. (2012) The Role of Classroom Observation in Raising Standards. London: DFES
Weadick, A. (2013) Implementing Peer Observation of Teaching. Dublin.
Wragg, E.C. (1996), An introduction to Classroom Observation, London.

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