Classroom Observation or sometimes called as Classroom Visitation refer to one key in enhancing teaching through feedback from observers inside the classroom. The observer uses a course materials outline, presentation guides or even test materials. This materials are designed to analyze the classroom of a teacher, the pupils or students, their perceptual modalities if possible, the content of the lesson, even the classroom environment like the light, the sound, the temperature even the visual aids, the furniture arrangements, the manipulatives and other instructional materials. Teaching styles of teacher will be analyze after which will be discussed or the so called post conference between the teacher and the observer and the observer, usually a school principal, a supervisor and observers from the regional or even from the central office.
Who may legally observe classes? According to the instruction of the superiors, the Department Head, the School Principal, District Supervisors, the Division Education Supervisors or now called the Education Program Supervisors (EPS) or regional or central office supervisor. Senior teachers, or other teachers are not officially allowed to observe classes, although they are allowed to mentor other teachers, especially the beginning teachers who need mentoring or in some special cases as the need arises.
Classroom supervision has a big impact to the quality of education. Teachers comply with all the comments and suggestions given by the observers, if these comments and suggestions will be implemented as suggested by the observers, who are considered as curriculum leaders and strategic planner the teacher by all means must implement or carry out these suggestions, since these observers are experts when it comes to instructional leadership and instructional supervision.
Teachers do not worry or do not be bothered especially during the post conference. They observe or visit your class just to discuss several pointers on how a teacher can improve their teaching capacity and ability to achieve preferred learning goals for their students.
Teachers do not fear classroom observation/classroom visitation. Just remember they are doing this, to monitor change and development in your class in terms of teaching – learning aspects.
Learning is a result of good teaching. Learning is seen as an innate unfolding process. The teacher supports the natural curiosity of the child and learning results from good teaching.
The second chance that an observer knocks on your door, welcome him/her with a big welcome and smile. The observers are there to help teachers and not to find mistakes or fault. Teachers do not be afraid of observers! Instead welcome them!
References:
Trespeses, R.A. Instructional Leadership ( Based on C.D.Glickman’s Model ) – SEAMEO – Innotech – 3
Week Course Module Southeast Asian Ministers Organization Regional Center For Educational Innovation and Technology Commonwealth, Quezon City, Philippines.
By: Leticia M. Garcia Master Teacher I Bataan National High School City of Balanga, Bataan
