OBSERVATION OF LEARNING AND TEACHING POLICY

Lesson observations can be categorised as either formal or informal.

Informal lesson

Informal lesson observations should be used for:

·Monitoring students (behaviour, work, attainment). Any records made will not be admissible as evidence in the monitoring and evaluation of a teacher without their prior permission.

·Peer observation and constructive feedback as a method of sharing good practice.

 

Formal lesson

Formal lesson observations are a key tool in ensuring that teaching and learning are in line with college expectations and policies. All lesson observations that are identified as being formal can be used as evidence in the monitoring and evaluation of teachers.

Formal lesson observations will be conducted by either the Director. Occasionally peer mentor observations will be used to monitor students in the following areas:

·Student participation

·Student- student interaction

·Student behaviour

Any records made will not be admissible as evidence in the monitoring and evaluation of a teacher without their prior permission.

Formal lesson observations are a key tool in ensuring that teaching and learning are in line with college expectations and policies. All lesson observations that are identified as being formal can be used as evidence in the monitoring and evaluation of teachers.

 

Procedure for the formal observation of learning and teaching

This process will be overseen by the Director in liaison with other Senior Management members.

General

1.Three days notice will be given to teachers

2.The observer will identify the specific session that will observed

3.Notes of the observation will be kept confidential between the teacher, observer and the Director

4.There should be at least one formal observation for all teaching staff each

 

Before the observation

The observer should:

·Ensure the teacher has a copy of the lesson observation summary sheet and teaching and learning policy

·Agree with the teacher which lesson will be observed and when feedback will be given

·Obtain a copy of the lesson plan and any additional resources (worksheets, hand outs, homework)

·Ask the teacher to alert learners to your presence and to reassure them that you are observing the teacher; make it clear that you will not be participating in the lesson.

·Reassure the teacher that the observation will be as unobtrusive as possible but that it may be necessary for you to speak to learners and see their work; ask the tutor at what point in the lesson this would be most appropriate

·Clarify with the teacher anything on the lesson plans or scheme of work that is unclear

·Gather any relevant information about learners, including identification of those with particular needs

 

During the observation

The observer should complete the relevant observation documents which will guide the observer to ascertain whether learners are learning effectively. He/she might look at learners’ work and examine teaching and learning resources that are used in order to gain an overview of the classroom and learning environment.

After the observation