How can schools use lesson observations to reliable evaluate the teaching taking place?
In a profession that seeks research–led methods, and in an industry that lacks sufficient time and money, it is critical that school leaders support teachers to the best of their ability.
Observation provocations
The ultimate goal of lesson observations should be to improve teacher performance, not check in on consistency. It has taken me 27 years to learn there is a better way to observe teachers, far beyond checklists, learning walks and coaching methods. Observing lessons as a researcher, rather than as an observer.
To get the
This is a powerful piece of writing and took some unpacking. I always think when observing colleagues what did they want to teach and who too, if this was achieved then something is going well and needs to be repeated. We do need training on this and unpicking what inclusive practices are working!
Thank you for putting in the effort. I could explain much more of the theory and practice, but I have to reserve that bit for the new book.
Thank you for this. It made me really think about my nonverbal cues, positioning, etc.
Good stuff!
Very thought provoking as always. This has reminded me that I did some research on the impact that observation criteria have on the pedagogy and quality of T&L seen. It covers six years of work in a single setting and offers some interesting quantitative data to support the points raised in your blog. Happy to share and discuss.
Hi Richard, ping me an email and send it over. I’ll also send you the chapter from Mark Plan Teach 2.0 and talk you through it for 20 mins; it will reform how you do lesson observations across your school.
Done! Sent to contact@ email address
🙂
Really interesting and thought provoking as always. Observational bias and lack of formal training for observers must have caused untold damage to teachers’ confidence and careers. Now this ‘cat is out of the bag’ – we cannot put it back! Having conducted a six year research study into the effects of lesson observation criteria on the types of pedagogy used by teachers, I now understand the impact that observers have on the learning. I’m happy to share my own findings if it adds any value to your own work. Many thanks!