A teacher observationis refers to a process
where a teacher actively watches and
records students’ performance during an
assessment activity, gathering information
about their understanding, skills, and
progress by observing their behaviors,
response, and approaches to the task, which
can then be used to inform future instruction
and provide targeted feedback to students.
3.
For teacher observationto contribute to valid
judgments concerning student learning outcomes,
evidence needs to be gathered and recorded
systematically. Systematic gathering and recording of
evidence requires preparation and foresight. This does
not necessarily mean that all aspects of the process of
observation need to be anticipated but the approach taken
is deliberate rather than happenstance. It is necessary, at
least, to know in advance both what kinds of learning
outcomes are anticipated and how evidence will be
recorded. Adequate records are essential for good
assessment.
4.
Teacher observation canbe characterized in
two types:
INCIDENTAL OBSERVATION
AND
PLANNED OBSERVATION
5.
Incidental observation occursduring the
ongoing (deliberate) activities of teaching and
learning and the interactions between teacher and
students. In other words, an unplanned opportunity
emerges, in the context of classroom activities,
where the teacher observes some aspect of
individual student learning. Whether incidental
observation can be used as a basis for formal
assessment and reporting may depend on the
records that are kept.
6.
Planned observation involvesdeliberate
planning of an opportunity for the teacher
to observe specific learning outcomes. This
planned opportunity may occur in the
context of regular classroom activities or
may occur through the setting of an
assessment task (such as a practical or
performance activity).
7.
Importance of TeacherObservation
1. Observations capture a wide range of student abilities like critical
thinking, collaboration, engagement, and problem-solving skills that
might not be fully captured through standardized test alone.
2. Regular observations allow teachers to monitor student progress in
real-time, providing immediate feedback and opportunities to adjust
teaching strategies as needed.
3. By closely observing students, teachers can identify specific
learning needs and tailor instruction to address individual strengths
and weaknesses.
8.
4. Observing studentsin natural classroom settings
provides a more authentic picture of their learning
abilities compared to high- pressure testing situations.
5. Observing data can inform differentiated instruction,
allowing teachers to provide appropriate challenges and
support for diverse learners.
6. Teacher observations can be used for peer feedback
and professional development, enhancing teaching
practices across the school.
9.
Different Types ofTeacher Observation
Anecdotal Observation: this involves informal,
ongoing notes about behavior, participation, or specific
learning moments during a lesson, providing rich
qualitative data about individual student progress.
Checklist Observation: a structured approach where
the teacher check off pre-determined behaviors or skills
observed in students, often used to track mastery of
specific learning objectives.
10.
Rating Scale Observation:uses a pre-determined
scale to evaluate student performance on specific
criteria, allowing for more quantitative analysis of student
abilities.
Performance-Based Observation: focuses on
observing students as they demonstrate a particular skill
or complete a task, often involving rubrics to assess
quality and complex.
Learning Walk-Throughs: a quick, focused
observation where the teacher moves around the
classroom observing various student interactions and