I’m setting up a peer observation scheme in my department. Basically, it’s like this:

• A team member chooses an area of development in their own practice
• We work out which other team member is competent in that area and pair them up.
• I create some kind of observation task to help guide things – clearer focus, etc.
• The pair of teachers complete the observation cycle

I’ll work out how we can evaluate the process down the line – we’ve just started. But I have ideas.

Anyhow, the areas for development aren’t necessarily EAL-specific. They might relate to core teaching skills, experimental practice, etc. Regarding core skills, I’ve found the Walkthrus book has come in handy as a springboard (see my review here).

Here are some examples of the observation tasks I’m building around it. They focus on behaviour management. Nothing polished or anything – busy busy at the moment! But a) feel free to adapt if they are useful for your practice, and b) if you are doing something similar with Walkthrus then let me know. Perhaps we can collaborate? Might be a time saver.

Categories: General, teacher development

Tags: cpd, eal, observation instruments, peer observation, Walkthrus