Essay On Peer Observation

Article Review Traditionally, professional development for teachers has been provided in the form of training sessions, consultants, and observation cycles conducted by a master/mentor teacher. Teachers can often have negative reactions to this type of observation model, as it can make them feel like someone is coming in to tell them what is wrong with their practice. Alternatively, peer observation is a newly emerging form of professional development, where two teachers of similar skill level engage in pre-observations, classroom observations, and post-observation conferences for the purpose of reflecting on practice and building skills and strategies. While research has been done to show positive attitudes regarding peer observation and …show more content…
For peer observation to be a successful tool, and potentially positively affect student achievement, it must be purposeful, timely, and analytical/reflective. In Murray et al.’s study, the AMSP summer institute provided a basis on which teachers should base their observations. However, it was too broad in scope. Purposeful peer observations should have a more narrow focus, or a specific goal that the observee is hoping to accomplish and for which the observer should be collecting evidence. Post-observation conferences should occur in a timely manner after the observation, and the partners should set next steps to measure progress towards the goal. Additionally, partners should engage in observation cycles frequently throughout the year in order to build a collaborative partnership and ensure professional growth. Lastly, successful peer observation should be analytical, and cause the observee to reflect on their practice. Murray et al. (2009) suggest role play activities to establish an understanding of the roles of observer and observee as well as to practice engaging in reflective talk moves, and also coaching strategies, such as video recordings of a lesson to assist in the analysis of the lesson, rather than simply