The story entitled “The visitation of gods and goddesses” depicts traditional scenario in a school when education supervisors visit. They are being treated as gods and goddesses in respect of their position, authority, tradition and hierarchy. The story may sound hilarious and humorous, but in reality it’s happening.
There are two kinds of visitation announced and unannounced. If it’s unannounced, it’s not recorded black and white and I believe the main purpose is just to check consistency and validity of reports submitted. For instance, I submit weekly plan and report with pictures and narrative, but it’s just a piece of paper until seen and observed. I agree with this kind of visitation, particularly that a teacher must always be prepared before going to classroom, so some teachers may not just submit reports without actual performance. This kind of visitation sets perception to be always honest in the performance of duties and responsibilities without any reservation.
The other kind of visitation is announced. First, the supervisor asks what schedule I want, and then he/she would check her/his timetable. If there’s no conflict, we would agree easily. If there’s conflict, we would agree with another schedule, until one is finalized. Next, the supervisor will ask on the teaching-learning situation and lesson to be discussed. Then, we will agree with what is supposed / what I want to have helped with. Likewise, constant reminder is done through group chat and personal messages to make sure the readiness for the classroom visitation and observation. The announced visitation is recorded and will be part of the evaluation of performance at the end of the school year, so preparation is a must.
Although with similar purpose, every visitation is unique and different observable things. Based from my experiences these are the observable things during visitation of a supervisor.
Teacher’s preparedness. A supervisor can observe from the very start whether a teacher is prepared / ready or no. The following must be prepared: a. Classroom set-up / arrangements of chairs and tables, cleanliness, proper lighting and ventilation. b. Observation tools and lesson plans. These pertinent papers must come in enough numbers for the observers. c. Teacher’s appearance is also one indicator of preparedness. The teacher must come in complete uniform, ID, black shoes, little make-up, hair combed and the aura must be positive. d. Instructional Materials. Particularly that we are now teaching in the 21st century, instructional materials must be innovative and resourceful. The use of technology is also encouraged particularly in the third and fourth quarter observation.
Teacher and students’ connection. One good indicator of a well-managed class is having a very smooth teacher-students connection. Teacher must properly connect with the students so the lesson will be easily and appropriately transferred. In this manner, the students will participate without hesitations even there are other people in the room. They will also show good manners and right conduct in respect of the teacher and classmates. Likewise, they will appreciate correction constructively.
Teacher’s control over the class. In public school, number of students per class is mostly 45-55, so teacher control over is very observable. It is with right attitude and leadership that a teacher can control a class properly. In addition, a well-modulated and sufficient volume of voice is very helpful. Not to the point that a teacher is shouting. Further, I believe that supervisors can easily observe if the teacher is the authority in class or not. As a common knowledge, actions speak louder than words; a teacher’s action must be relevant to students.
The factors affecting duration and frequency of visitation are (i) needs of the teachers; (ii) follow-up of an instructions; and (iii) impressive performance. Both positive and negative can affect duration and frequency of visitation. One thing must be assured, visitation must be done honestly and not for the requirement purposes only.
By: Celee Ann Kris Mamon |Junior High School Teacher I| Sta. Rita High School Olongapo City
