9.1 Effective Teacher Observation and Feedback

Classroom observations and feedback are crucial for improving teaching practices and student outcomes. They involve pre-observation meetings, classroom visits, and post-observation discussions. Effective feedback is specific, actionable, and evidence-based, delivered through various methods like face-to-face conversations or written reports.

Observations impact teacher performance by increasing reflection and enhancing instructional practices. They can be formative, focusing on ongoing improvement, or summative for evaluation purposes. Combining approaches helps balance support and assessment while considering legal and ethical aspects of the process.

Classroom Observation and Feedback Fundamentals

Components of classroom observations

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  A Principal's Reflections: Removing the Stigma of Observations View original

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  Frontiers | A Conceptual Review of Positive Teacher Interpersonal Communication Behaviors in the ... View original

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• 

  Teaching and Learning Resources Portal/Distance Technologies/Feedback - Kumu Wiki - TRU View original

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  A Principal's Reflections: Removing the Stigma of Observations View original

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  Frontiers | A Conceptual Review of Positive Teacher Interpersonal Communication Behaviors in the ... View original

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• Purpose of observations improves instructional practices supports teacher growth enhances student learning outcomes
• Essential elements include pre-observation conference classroom visit post-observation conference
• Focus areas encompass instructional strategies classroom management student engagement content knowledge
• Types of walkthroughs involve informal observations learning walks peer observations
• Data collection methods utilize observation forms checklists rubrics digital tools for recording evidence

Strategies for teacher feedback

• Effective feedback characterized by specific actionable timely relevant balanced (strengths and areas for improvement) evidence-based
• Delivery methods include face-to-face conversations written reports video recordings with annotations
• Feedback sandwich approach employs positive comment area for improvement positive reinforcement
• Collaborative goal-setting uses SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) action plans for improvement
• Follow-up support provides professional development opportunities mentoring or coaching resources and materials

Impact and Approaches to Observations

Impact of observations on performance

• Consistent observations increase teacher reflection improve instructional practices enhance student achievement
• Effectiveness influenced by frequency of observations quality of feedback teacher receptiveness
• Potential challenges include time constraints observer bias resistance to change
• Long-term effects on school culture foster growth mindset promote collaboration create culture of continuous improvement
• Impact measured through teacher satisfaction surveys student performance data classroom climate assessments

Formative vs summative approaches

• Formative observations
  • Purpose: ongoing improvement and support
  • Frequency: regular and informal
  • Focus: specific aspects of teaching practice
  • Feedback: immediate and descriptive
  • Use of data: guide professional growth
• Summative observations
  • Purpose: evaluation and decision-making
  • Frequency: scheduled and formal
  • Focus: comprehensive assessment of performance
  • Feedback: evaluative and judgmental
  • Use of data: inform personnel decisions
• Combining approaches balances formative and summative observations aligns methods with teacher career stages
• Legal and ethical considerations ensure confidentiality of results fairness in evaluation processes compliance with district and state policies