The Significance Of Instructional Rounds

By Joyce Williams


There are countless number of practices that schools can make use of to help improve the quality of education they provide to students. One of the most important exercise that is usually recommended for learning institutions is carrying out instructional rounds. These rounds usually encompasses a team of teachers making rounds from one classroom to another to try and access or rather make observations of what is going on around in the classroom with each of the teachers making their observations and putting it down.

The team of teachers contains around five teachers, who are either volunteers or are selected randomly. The team is headed by a teacher, who is responsible of conducting the whole exercise. After the team is informed of what is expected from them, a suitable date is appointed on which the exercise will take place. All the observations during one of the learning sessions made are recorded for later discussions.

It is always recommended that the number of teachers carrying out the rounds should be as small as possible. They may comprise of utmost than five including the lead teacher so as to avoid overcrowding. The teacher in charge of the classroom under observation is advised to prepare the students by making them aware of the exercise beforehand. This makes the process a lot more efficient because the students will only see it as any other day in school; therefore, the correct observations will be made.

As soon as all these tools have been made, the teachers meet to lay on the table each of their findings. Taking turns, each teacher is offered a chance to present the observations made. Once each of them has laid out their observations, they compile the information while outlining the positive and negative aspects of their study. This way, they analyze all the aspects of their study and decide on what should be done to move forward.

It is important that schools employ the use of this exercise as it has shown to cause a positive impact. The teachers learn a lot while participating in the exercise. Furthermore, they are able to evaluate themselves and see what they can pick from their colleagues that could enhance their teaching methods.

Another added advantage of carrying out these kinds of tools is that it promotes interaction among teachers. They get to know each other better and are also able to learn a lot from each other. They also help build and improve on another. For instance, if a teacher points out a mistake committed by a fellow colleague, he has to offer ways in which he thinks could be done to overcome such issues.

It also provides a platform where most of the problems affecting the classroom can be aired and addressed. Solutions to underlying problems are obtained during the discussion period. Strategies are also put in place on how best to handle such challenges. Brainstorming comes in handy because a variety of solutions are placed on the table and the best ones selected. This in turn produce long lasting positive outcomes.

Learning institutions should really consider employing this exercise. Teachers should actually volunteer for such exercise, this is because the exercise itself involves evaluation that is quite friendly. It helps one gauge their performance and work on areas where they might be challenged in. Therefore, they should not shy away, rather they ought to embrace it since there a lot of benefits to be enjoyed.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment