Often вЂoutstandingвЂ™ teachers are used as beacons of good practice within a provider, and are required to mentor teachers who receive lower grades during their observations. Graded observations are conducted to establish the standard and quality of teaching and learning taking place within a provider. A provider may use this type of observation in order to see a snapshot of how a lesson is usually delivered, especially if a teacher is given no notice of the observation taking place. Quality/ Graded observations are often formal, with the observer giving no or very little notice of the time and date an observation is to take place. There are a number of different types of lesson observations, these include:

Grade Three вЂ“ Requires Improvements (formerly Satisfactory).

The CIF lists the grading criteria from grade one to grade four, that a teacher can achieve. Most providers will use the standards set by Ofsted within the Common Inspection Framework (CIF). These criteria or standards will enable an observer to know exactly what they should be judging a teacher on during the observation. Observations must be undertaken following a set of criteria or standards. The type of observation a provider uses can depend on a range of factors such as the preference of managers within the provider, the culture of the provider and what the provider is hoping to gain from the observation i.e.

CPD and training activities can also be implemented from the outcomes of observations.

They can identify areas of good practice and areas which may need developing. Observations are also a good way to assess the skills, competencies and attitudes of a teacher. Undertaking an observation is a useful way to determine the standard and quality of delivery, teaching, learning and assessment a provider offers. The purpose of undertaking observations of teaching and learning is to ensure that high standards are maintained within a school, college or training provider. This article will consider the purpose and types of different lesson observations. It covers a range of topics including different types of observations, judgement criteria, observation protocols, giving observation feedback and moderation procedures. The qualification develops the skills and knowledge needed to undertake lesson observations. This qualification is vital for qualified and experienced teachers, trainers, assessors and line managers who undertake observations of teaching or training sessions. At Educating UK, we are one of only a handful of training providers approved to offer the accredited TQUK qualification, the Level 5 Certificate in Observation of Teaching and Learning (QCF).

Observation learning