Course Description:

To help teachers improve, we need to rethink lesson observations so they are more than tick-box exercises for external stakeholders. This course explains and explores both the practical and theoretical aspects of lesson observations and how they can become part of continuing professional development. Based on workable ideas and innovative thinking, this course will help you transform lesson observations into a highly effective tool for improving teacher instruction and pedagogy in ways that positively impact student achievements. The successful implementation of key concepts, such as instructional coaching, in your school setting is explored and best practice case studies will be shared to show how lesson observations not only can support teachers on their professional learning journey but can also inform CPD programmes at a whole-school level.

Learning Outcomes:

• Reflect on what’s working well in your school and what needs to be delivered better.
• Examine evidence-informed research about the importance of lesson observations as part of a continuing professional development cycle and consider how this could be applied in your school.
• Evaluate a range of practical tools that could be used with lesson observations to improve teaching and learning and to support your teachers in their continuing professional growth.