Dr Lorna Page PhD ‘The Impact of Observation on Practice, Professionalism and Teacher Identity’
Teaching is subjective Art is subjective Teaching is subjective We do not see the same.
Introduce Research Précis Findings Propose a New Model Questions Session Scope: Introduce Research Précis Findings Propose a New Model Questions
‘Further Education Teachers’ Perceptions of Being Observed Teaching’ My Research: ‘Further Education Teachers’ Perceptions of Being Observed Teaching’ 2014
What observations have teachers experienced?
Teacher Training Mentor Peer Job Interview Quality Assurance Graded Ofsted Appraisal Intervention Other: Assessor observations.
Why do teachers think they’re observed? To check you’re doing your job properly To test you on what you can remember To check targets are being met
What is a ‘professional teacher’?
Furlong et al. (2000) 1. Knowledge 2. Responsibility 3. Autonomy
Does everything by the book Does things to the highest possible standards Does paperwork and stuff professionally. Gets results
How teachers see themselves…
I’m a professional tradesman I’ll class myself as a professional when I get a good graded degree We are professionals. We are academics.
Academic Lecturer Teacher Tradesperson Educator Instructor Facilitator Tutor Independent Skills.
Grading Teachers
It’s show time!
Let’s show students pressing the interactive whiteboard Let’s do some card sorting We have our own ‘observation lessons’
Fully qualified teachers Taught for a long time What qualifies them to observe me? Fully qualified teachers Taught for a long time Achieved a Grade 1 in their career Observer qualification.
I’m not happy, but I accept it It’s like being told off It’s all staged I don’t understand its value I’ve no choice Why do I keep having to prove myself? How many other professions slap you with a number?. It provides me with a defence
4 Rs Model of Lesson Observation
‘We accept being observed because we’re frightened not to…’
References: Furlong, J., Barton, L., Miles, S., Whiting, C. and Whitty, G. (2000) Teacher education in transition: Re-forming professionalism?. Buckingham: Open University Press. Email: LornaJPage@BTinternet.com Twitter: @lornajpage