or Teaching Practice Observations

General findings of observations carried out during 2008/09

good practice



Formal
Carried out by an observer of the Adult Learning and Skills Unit. The purpose of such observations are developmental. Focus of the observation is teaching and learning.

Every tutor will be observed at least once within each academic year (depending on previous grade received) if you an active tutor and have classes running within Adult Learning and Skills. The observer for the MFL and Arts Team is Chrissi Nerantzi (me).

Academic Year 2008/09: Observations will be carried out after the Easter break (starting in April 09). Please contact Chrissi about your classes and let her know when it would be convenient for you and your students to be observed.


The following documents will be required 3-4 days before the observation takes place:

• Scheme of Work
• Session Plan of the observed session
• Session Plans of previous sessions
• Reflective diary up-to-date (if available)

Templates
Lesson Plan Template
Scheme of Work Template

Also learners should be able to present the following on the day of the observation (up-to-date, please)

• Individual Learning Plan
• Portfolio

The observer will keep notes during the observation. The observation will last 60min. The observer will after the observation has been completed chat with your learners and ask them to see their portfolios and ILPs which should all be up-to-date. You and the observer will find a quiet area to discuss details of the observation. Please ask one of your learners to facilitate an activity until you get back to your class. You will receive constructive feedback about the observed session and are invited to share your own views and reflections with the observer. The main questions the observer will focus are:

• How well do learners achieve?
• How well are learners guided and supported?
• How effective is learning?
• How effective is teaching?
• How well do programmes and activities meet the needs and interests of learners?
• How is technology used within the session?

The report written by the observer will be read by both and you are invited to add your comments and sign the document at the end after you have understood the content. The report will include good practice, action points agreed, if necessary, to enhance your practice further and you will be supported until the next observation if you would like to.

The report will include a grade, which will determine when you will be observed again but most importantly it will give an indication how teaching and learning looks like in your classroom.

• Grade 1 (outstanding) after 12 months
• Grade 2 (good) after 12 months
• Grade 3 (satisfactory) after 6 months
• Grade 4 (inadequate) after 3 months

Detailed information about observations, grading and inspections at http://www.hertsdirect.org/infobase/docs/pdfstore/gradtoolkit.pdf


Adult Learning and Skills Documentation
OTL Record
OTL Prompt Sheet

Remember,

• Healthy & Safety!!!
• Keep your register up-to-date including Risk Assessment
• Introduce the observer to the learners
• Plan your session well, relax and enjoy teaching.

If you would like to discuss any of the above, please get in touch with me. I would be very happy to chat with you over the phone/web before the observation to clarify any issues you might have and make the observation a positive and useful experience.



Informal or Peer Observations
Peer observations are very useful and informal opportunities to invite a colleague into your classroom and ask him/her to focus on 1 element of your practice and provide constructive feedback at the end of the session. This openness and honesty, in a respectful and constructive manner is a valuable developmental tool. Use it!!!

Watch the video clip for more information and some excellent examples. Click here.