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Wednesday 5 December 2018

Approved Procedure For Leading Instructional Rounds


By Diane Burns


Instructional rounds rank high among the most effective tools that teachers in a district or institution can us to learn from each other. The visits are used to enhance collaboration between teachers and also as an opportunity to enhance pedagogy skills. Leading instructional rounds takes to account the fact that feedback should not be given to the teacher under observation. The main aim is to compare notes and use these observations to improve on your methodology.

Participants stand to reap incredible benefits by participating in the observation and plenary debriefing. The reason you visit as a team is to capture as much as possible from the target teacher and also collect diverse views. The plenary debriefing session is used to report on individual observations and compare notes. When each teacher is making reflections on the day, he or she will also have learnt something.

Education experts advise that each teacher participates in one round at least once a semester. The leader of the team should be a colleague who is highly respected and has a history of producing exemplary work. You can use the instructional coach who is seasoned in the industry. Administrators can also take the lead but the purpose must remain to learn other than criticize the teacher under observation.

The willingness of the teacher to be observed is critical for the success of this exercise. A volunteer is the best option because it means that he or she will be under no pressure to perform. However, several volunteers or a round robin is an option to enhance the capacity of the entire team and also learn from each other. It is understandable that teachers seek to learn from the best in the institution or district.

The team making the rounds should remain as small as possible. Preferably, they should be between four and a maximum of six. Explain to your class that they will receive visitors. When students are learning in an environment with strangers, they will not respond naturally. However, when they are aware that learning is taking place, they will be supportive of the process.

Entry and presence in class should be designed such that there is least distraction possible. In fact, it is advisable that the team takes the back seats away from the eyes of students. This will also help them observe all corners of the class in its natural life. Share areas of observation to enable you maximize on your visit. Some may focus on student response while other pay attention to how the teacher uses learning materials, among other elements.

The duration of the session should be 10-15 minutes. A lot of observations can be made over the period. The duration also allows the class to continue with planned work. Do not give the teacher a score using rubrics. Note down observable elements and use these observations to make notes. At the end of your session, remember to thank the students and teacher as you exit.

Persons who were not participants in the team remain out of the comments or observations made. The observations should also take a learning perspective instead of criticizing the teacher. A Pulse and Delta method is the perfect approach to use because you can highlight positive observations and debate areas you thought could be improved. Your sole aim must remain to learn from your host teacher and not criticize his or her methodology. This is why you choose the top performers in the institution or district.




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