Job Discussion Forums

Otterman Ollie · Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2005 7:11 am Post subject: Peer observation

Hi Forum
A collegue has asked me to observe him .Whats the jizz? Do you sit there and write copious notes on every small detail or just tick a box or two on a suitable form ,in which case what form ?
Never done this before so any comments or advice appreciated .

Regards Ollie

tedkarma · Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2005 8:46 am Post subject:

Most likely, your coworker sees you as a skilled teacher who may be able to offer him some tips on how to improve his classroom performance.

I think it would be useful to ask him if there are some specifics that he would like you to focus on. And how detailed he would like your feedback to be.

My guess is he would just like some informal feedback on lesson structure and actual implementation of the lesson. I might also guess that he is new at your school - new with those students - or new with the course content?

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

I suspect that the other teacher is looking for advice on how his/her teaching could be improved. I've observed and been observed by other teachers; it's useful to get the feedback.

I wouldn't bother with a form. Just sit back, and take notes on anything that strikes you as good or bad with the observee's teaching.

Jizzo T. Clown · Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2005 1:54 pm Post subject:

I'm waiting for Gregor to chime in any time now...

When we did peer obs, we would try to think of five things the teacher did well and at least five things that we would do differently. Then you could do the DoS thing and begin the feedback session by asking the teacher what they thought went well and what they would've done differently. It's probably a good idea to wait a few days after the observation to give any kind of formal feedback. This gives both of you time to consider what all happened and to kind of marinate on the lesson.

Nothing is less useful than asking one who observed you "What did you think?" and getting no feedback whatsoever. Don't be brutal but do be honest. Who knows, you might learn something!

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2005 9:38 pm Post subject:

Then, invite him to observe you! And be attentive and open to his observations. You may learn more than you expect, and if he's as new as I suppose, he'll have very good "Why did you do it that way?" type questions that could be useful to you both.

Justin