Lesson Classroom observation in teaching practice (recording video and peer observation). Teacher Observation

Lesson 3.
Classroom observation in teaching practice (recording video and peer observation).
Teacher Observation
Learn all about teacher observation: what it means, how it's carried out, and why it's an important part of any teacher's development.
What is teacher observation?
Teacher observation describes the practice of sitting in on another teacher’s class to observe, learn and reflect . Teacher observation is a formal or informal observation of teaching while it’s taking place in a classroom or other learning environment. They’re typically conducted by fellow teachers, administrators, or instructional specialists. They’re often used to provide teachers with constructive critical feedback aimed at improving their classroom management and instructional techniques. Various aspects of the class can be examined, such as routines, use of time, schedule, participation, teaching strategies, management strategies, learner interest, and much more. A teacher will naturally look for support on an issue that is difficult for them, but it’s often a great method of being exposed to a new and different approach to teaching. Observation is important at every stage of a teacher’s career, from NQTs to teachers that have a wealth of experience under their belts.
Teacher observations can also be called lesson observations, learning walks, classroom observations , walkthroughs and many other things. They can be conducted for shorter or longer periods of time - anything from a few minutes to a full class period or school day. Educators can also use a wide variety of classroom-observation methods. Some might be nationally utilized models developed by educational experts, while others could be homegrown processes created by the educators using them.
In many cases, observation notes are recorded using common templates or guidelines that describe what observers should be looking for or what the observed teacher would like feedback on.
While classroom observations are conducted for a wide variety of purposes, they’re most commonly associated with job-performance evaluations conducted by school administrators and with professional learning communities (groups of teachers who work together to improve their instructional skills). Teacher observations can be conducted by teachers in the same content area or grade level - in these cases, teachers share students or similar expertise. Or they could be conducted by teachers across academic disciplines - in which case, the goal may be to observe and learn from the varied instructional practices used in different types of classes.
While it's often new or specialist teachers who go through classroom observation, everyone can benefit from the process if it's done correctly. Teaching observation can be a few minutes or a few days long. There's no set duration, and it all depends on the goal of each observation.
Regardless of goals and duration, each classroom observation is meant to be done with professionalism, integrity and courtesy. It should have an agreed-upon protocol, and it should be done objectively and be confidential.