Why should we observe or be observed teaching?

Have you ever observed a teacher or been observed yourself by a colleague? It can be an incredibly powerful form of professional development.

Image of an eye with text: "(Teachers) rarely have an opportunity to watch other teachers teach, the single best kind of training." Sara Mosle, Building Better Teachers, The Atlantic, September 2014.

Peer observation leads to:

  • the creation of a culture of trust, cooperation and collaboration
  • the orientation of new or less experienced teachers
  • development of teaching strengths
  • the integration of constructive feedback
  • a deeper appreciation of the science behind teaching and learning

Video: Mirror, Mirror…Observe, Reflect, and Apply – a tale of what could be!

Further resources:

Here’s an article you might find interesting on this subject: Building Better Teachers, The Atlantic

Bill Gates: Teachers need real feedback, TED Talks, 10:21, 2013

Learning resources created by Tania Battista (Consultant, EMSB), Frank Furfaro (Consultant, EMSB), Audrey Parent (Graphic Designer, CSSMI), and Tracy Rosen (RECIT Consultant, CSSMI).

If you would like more information about these resources or if you have something you would like to add to this, please contact Avi Spector or Tracy Rosen.

All materials are expected to be reused and shared according to this Creative Commons license: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0