How Instructional Rounds Can Help Teachers To Improve
One of the major frustrations experienced by most teachers is the fact that they work in isolation. They spend a lot of time in their classrooms and they do not often get the chance to update their skills and to exchange ideas and experiences with other professionals. This can lead to stagnation. Instructional rounds can help to change this situation. It allows teachers to observe other professionals in their working environment and to learn from that experience.
Observation exercises have nothing to do with teacher evaluation. In fact, the teacher being observed is not even given any feedback unless he asks for it. The observers are there purely to learn from their colleague. They may want to see how another teacher maintains discipline in the classroom, elicit participation from the student or make use graphic aids to render complex concepts easily understandable.
Setting up an observer roster is very simple. It is even possible to observe teachers at other schools. The students are told what the purpose of the exercise is and the observers do not take any part in the teaching or classroom interaction. Those being observed are often highly qualified and experienced educators. They are never forced to agree to an observation session.
Observer groups often meet beforehand to decide upon the aspects that they are most keen to learn about. They choose one or two educational aspects and focus upon those aspects during the session. Observers do not take part in any class activity and they are not allowed to ask questions or make comments. Observation sessions are short and normally do not last longer than fifteen to twenty minutes.
Observation sessions are always followed by a debriefing. During this session they compare notes and discuss ways in which they can improve their own teaching methods. In some cases the teacher that was observed may be allowed to attend the debriefing if he requests to do so. Observer groups never share their opinions with anyone outside the group.
There are many benefits to these observation exercises. Students most certainly benefit because their teachers will be using new techniques in the classroom. The teachers grow professionally and they often get better results. The observed teacher is benefits because he has been recognized as someone that is likely to help other teachers develop themselves. The system works well because there are no threats to anyone that is involved.
There are some potential dangers and administrators should be aware of them. Observers have to understand that the confidentiality of observation sessions is very important. If they discuss their opinions outside the group or if the voice criticism against the teacher being observed they can cause harm. The teacher involved may be hurt and resentment can easily ensue.
Anything that helps to improve the standard of education should be welcomed and encouraged. Allowing teachers to observe each other in action and to learn from it is a simple way in which to improve teaching techniques. It is also an excellent way in which to acknowledge those teachers that are willing to share their experiences.
Observation exercises have nothing to do with teacher evaluation. In fact, the teacher being observed is not even given any feedback unless he asks for it. The observers are there purely to learn from their colleague. They may want to see how another teacher maintains discipline in the classroom, elicit participation from the student or make use graphic aids to render complex concepts easily understandable.
Setting up an observer roster is very simple. It is even possible to observe teachers at other schools. The students are told what the purpose of the exercise is and the observers do not take any part in the teaching or classroom interaction. Those being observed are often highly qualified and experienced educators. They are never forced to agree to an observation session.
Observer groups often meet beforehand to decide upon the aspects that they are most keen to learn about. They choose one or two educational aspects and focus upon those aspects during the session. Observers do not take part in any class activity and they are not allowed to ask questions or make comments. Observation sessions are short and normally do not last longer than fifteen to twenty minutes.
Observation sessions are always followed by a debriefing. During this session they compare notes and discuss ways in which they can improve their own teaching methods. In some cases the teacher that was observed may be allowed to attend the debriefing if he requests to do so. Observer groups never share their opinions with anyone outside the group.
There are many benefits to these observation exercises. Students most certainly benefit because their teachers will be using new techniques in the classroom. The teachers grow professionally and they often get better results. The observed teacher is benefits because he has been recognized as someone that is likely to help other teachers develop themselves. The system works well because there are no threats to anyone that is involved.
There are some potential dangers and administrators should be aware of them. Observers have to understand that the confidentiality of observation sessions is very important. If they discuss their opinions outside the group or if the voice criticism against the teacher being observed they can cause harm. The teacher involved may be hurt and resentment can easily ensue.
Anything that helps to improve the standard of education should be welcomed and encouraged. Allowing teachers to observe each other in action and to learn from it is a simple way in which to improve teaching techniques. It is also an excellent way in which to acknowledge those teachers that are willing to share their experiences.
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