As a teacher, you're used to being in control of your classroom. It's up to you -- and only you -- to create daily lesson plans and assign homework for your students. So the thought of having a peer or supervisor observe your classroom while you teach may be stressful. However, there are several benefits to classroom observation. Learn how allowing a peer or supervisor to observe your classroom can help improve your teaching style and benefit your students.
Offers a Different Perspective
The fact is, teachers are just like everyone else -- they aren't perfect. Classroom observation allows you to see your classroom and the way you teach from a different perspective. If you've been teaching the same subject for a long time, it's possible that you're in a rut and don't realize it. By listening to the opinion of someone who has observed your class and implementing new teaching techniques, you can mix things up a bit so that you teach your students using several different methods. Remember, not all students learn in the same way. So, incorporating various styles while you're teaching will help more students learn. In addition to discussing different teaching styles, the classroom observer might have suggestions to overcome any difficulties that you're having within your classroom.
Gives You Insight into Student Behavior and Performance
Every teacher has favorite students, as well as students that they simply tolerate. Unfortunately, it's easy to let your opinion of a student overshadow important things. For example, one student's behavior might irritate you because you deal with it on a daily basis, but the teacher observing your class might consider the student's bad behavior a cry for help and offer suggestions to help the student improve. If you're having a problem with specific students, consider asking the teacher observing your class to spend a little one-on-one time with the students to determine different ways you can help them improve.
Help You Learn How to Use New Equipment
As technology advances, more and more computer equipment is being used in classrooms. Allowing a peer or supervisor to observe your classroom shows them how well you incorporate up-to-date technology on a daily basis. Depending on his or her skill set, the teacher who is observing your class may be able to give you tips to make using programs or equipment easier or help you resolve any technological problems you're experiencing.
Ultimately, classroom observation helps you improve your teaching style. And, the better you are at your job, the more students you'll be able to help.
