Curso de Certificación de Tutores de Idiomas. María Guadalupe Martínez Caamaño

Task 4.2

How would you as a teacher trainer introduce the peer lesson observation?

When organizing a peer observation, it is essential to discuss the following at least a week before the observed lesson is due to take place, for example: Which level group or class to observe, The time, date and duration of the observation, the observation focus, the aims and lesson structure and

content, The role of the observer during the lesson, e.g. where they should sit, their involvement (if any) in the lesson itself, the composition of the group, e.g. numbers, boys, girls, special educational needs; or mixed ability, the observation recording format to be used, whether the observer can ask

pupils questions and look at their work, the information that will be required by the observer prior to the observation, e.g. the lesson plan.

Which observation tasks could be interesting for your trainees? How to teach vocabulary, how to conduct drills, how to correct mistakes from students during the class on each Drill, etc.

How would you prepare your visit with the trainee? Focus on the areas agreed beforehand with your colleague, Record information as accurately as possible, Only record information relevant to what was agreed prior to the observation, Arrive on time and be positive.

How long should the lesson observation last? The lesson observation should last15 minutes at

least. How would you write down your feedback? For feedback I have to be effective, it must be given in an environment of trust, that is, we should all be committed to helping each other learn and improve as much as possible. With this on mind I should be honest, specific and not to forget to focus on

positive.

Group Observation Form Teacher’s Name: __________________________________ Date:

________________________ Observer’s Name: _________________________________ Time in class: from _________ to

_________ Level: __________ Unit: ___________ Number of students:

____________ In the box on the left mark a check () if you observed this step or area and it was okay, make a cross () if

the step or area was not done well, and leave it blank if you didn’t see this area or step during the observation.

STEPS/AREAS COMMENTS

Teacher behavior toward students The T was organized and prepared

The T was confident and transmitted enthusiasm The T motivated and encouraged students The T always used English

The T’s instructions were appropriate for the level of Ss The T was in control of the class The T maintained a good pace in the class

The T kept eye contact with students The T’s LOE is adequate for the level s/he’s teaching

Student learning

Ss were using the target language Ss understood T instructions in English Ss were participating in English

Ss were able to carry out the tasks that the T set up Ss were able to self correct Ss were interested in the class

Curso de Certificación de Tutores de Idiomas. María Guadalupe Martínez Caamaño

Task 4.2

Ss were motivated Ss achieved the objectives of the class

Weak students I noticed:

Areas to work on with the group:

Classroom set up:

Teacher’s signature: _______________________________________ Date: _____________________________

How would you manage the feedback--‐discussion? Write down the most important rules.

Acknowledge strengths – there are always some good things, but sometimes the skill of the observer lies in identifying them, develop confidence – in the early stages of peer observation, that is what you are there for identifying best or developing practice, be explicit and specific, be

evaluative rather than descriptive, reflect only on what was agreed before the observation, encourage self-reflection and self-evaluation – ask questions such as “What do you think?’ and ‘Why is it like that?’, and help colleagues move beyond initial responses to consider practice in

greater detail, only offer advice and alternative approaches if they are asked for – but remember in the early stages they may be neither required nor valued.

What happens if the trainee fails? What advice would you give him/her? To work harder on the

areas he/she failed and give them another chance. What can the trainee do if he does not accept the feedback of the trainer. The trainee can reflect

on his/her performance and auto-evaluate him for analyzing the areas he needs to improve. Is a second visit possible? With the same trainer. Yes, it is. It depends on the aspects the institution

needs to evaluate or enhance in their staff.