OBSERVATION POLICY
The purpose of this procedure defines how observation of teaching and training session should be carried out.
Principles:
The key principles underpinning the observation scheme are that it should:
- bring about continuous improvement in the standards of teaching and learning and the quality of the learner’s experience
- be sufficiently flexible to encompass a range of contexts where lesson observation might be required or desirable
- be rigorous and robust, yet supportive to those being observed
- To evaluate the consistency across different assessors/tutors and programme delivery.
Observation Process
- The observer will not participate in the session, only observe and ensure minimum interference Timing of observations should be agreed in advance with the tutor
- All notes of observations are confidentially for quality assurance and audit purposes
· - The observer should aim to carry out observation accordingly to fit the session, any assessment, feedback or review activity. And observation can be a combination of tutor delivery and learner activity. Tutors should ensure that the lesson is planned for this to occur.
- The observation will be as non-obstructive as possible, but it will be necessary to speak to learners and, where appropriate, see their work
- Staff receiving a satisfactory or inadequate grade will be re-observed within 6-8 weeks of the first observation
- Usually a minimum of 1 direct observation is expected to be carried out. More observation will be scheduled as required.
Grades
The grade descriptors are:
Grade 1 - Outstanding
Grade 2 - Good
Grade 3 - Satisfactory
Grade 4 - Inadequate
There will only be one overall grade is awarded. Observation procedures will follow this practice; however, teachers/tutors/Assessors will receive feedback on teaching and learning and attainment, as set out on the observation summary form. The feedback must be constructive and supportive as a way to improve and must be specific with appropriate rational.
The observer should:
- ensure that any resources to help with the observation is provided where deemed necessary
- arrange with the teacher/tutor a mutually convenient session to observe and a time to give feedback
- must not observe any session that can cause severe disruption or be a cause of interference to the normal session delivery of the learners
The observer should:
- where appropriate look at learners’ work without causing any disruption or interference.
- relate to planning, structure and delivery, use of resources and learners’ individual learning experience
- talk to learners with minimal disruption where possible.
- complete the session observation records accordingly
After the observation
The observer should:
- complete the observation of teaching and learning record and feedback document and establish an overall grade base on the finding.
- give the teacher/tutor the opportunity to comment on the session and clarify any aspects
- discuss any areas for development and identify any actions
- give the tutor/assessor and their manager (If applicable) a copy of all relevant observation documentation no less than 15 days after the observation
- provide the relevant manager with immediate feedback (where appropriate)
