Page 15 - How to prepare for observations as a student teacher ....
When preparing for my upcoming placement (starting Wednesday!), I reviewed my placement folder I created last year and came across my lesson observations. Teaching my first ever lesson was indeed nerve wracking but did not hit the level I felt for my first observation. Although at this point before my first 'formal' observation I had taught many lessons all with my mentor still in the room (my mentor was doing the observation), the fact that I was going to be observed pen to paper of my strengths and weaknesses was scary. This was because I was approaching new territory. I have never done this before and it was a new experience. As soon as the first one was over of course I was completely fine and at ease for all ones to come. To help other students feel at ease for their first observation, in todays post I will share my best observation advice.
How to prepare for observations:
- Before the planning performa stage even begins, throughly research the curriculum area and lesson content so you have the full subject knowledge required to a higher level than will be taught in the lesson so you are able to answer any further questions/queries of the class.
- Produce a detailed lesson plan (include key questions, vocabulary and differentiated activities).
- Prepare your resources with plenty of time in advance (don't leave it until the day before to print/laminate resources etc because we all know what technology can be like!).
- If you are lucky enough to have a teaching assistant in your lesson, try and catch them for 5 minutes the day before and give them a copy of your plan and explain their role for the lesson with time for questions.
- Print a copy of the lesson plan and give this to your observer to follow along in hand with a copy of the teachers standards so they are able to cross reference.
- Set the classroom up before the pupils come in (when possible - if your lesson is first in the morning or straight after break/lunch this avoids any wasted lesson time).
What to do after your observation:
- Firstly mark the pupils work. This can still be working towards part of the observation and allows you to still be reaching the teaching standards even when the lessons 'finished'. This will help you further access Standard 2: Promote good progress and outcomes by pupils as you are able to track which pupils are on target and allows you to incorporate specific targeted work for the pupils who require it.
- Own self reflection before you get your feedback from your tutor. On my planning sheet I always fill in a strengths and areas to improve on to help inform and improve my future practice.
- This is the key area. With your observer go through your notes and take on board advice given. From this, I would then again self reflect and write specific areas to improve on and how I will ensure I do this.
There is indeed a lot to juggle when planning, carrying out and reflecting on an observation. On from this, my best advice would be is to take a step back and act like it is a 'normal' lesson as it is (not that any lesson can be sad to be 'normal')! The more relaxed you are, the more this will reflect on your class and observer. Try not to spread any stressed energy onto the pupils. Lastly, to enjoy it. Whether you are a student in a set placement for a few weeks or a qualified teacher with a class for a year, time flies and you do not want to take advance of the honour you have to inspire, pass your passion for learning and shape the next generation. For you as the teacher, this is one of your largest learning opportunities where you have the ability to take high quality feedback and act on this to improve your future practice.
"Learners need endless feedback more than they need endless teaching" - Grant Wiggins
This is not just for the pupils, but for you the teacher too.
- Miss Yeoman
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