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The aim of giving feedback after observing a lesson is to help the observee improve his or her teaching. We can elicit information about the lesson. This technique will assist the observee in making suggestions for his or her own self-improvement. The language we use during the feedback session is called The Language of Feedback. Remember there is never anything "bad" in a lesson :. We can say that there are aspects of the lesson to be improved. The lesson to be observed shouldn't be a "special lesson." Student shouldn't know the plans in advance. The observee shouldn't put any more effort into this lesson than any other. The purpose isn't to "look good," but to improve on your authentic teaching. Try to set at least 30 minutes after the lesson to give feedback. Pre-observation Discussion Before observing the lesson, it is essential to have a discussion with the teacher to set the tone. * Get some information about the class and their level. Are there any learners who require special attention? * Find out about the aim of the lesson. What will the learners be able to do by the end of the lesson? * Does the observee want you to pay special attention to any particular part of the lesson? (Who does he or she interact with more - male or female students? Where does he or she move in the room? Classroom management. Eye contact.) *What will your role as observer be during the lesson? Most of the time, you should sit quietly and observe. *Let the observee know that any notes and discussions are confidential, just between the two of you - and stick to that! Post-observation Discussion There are three stages to the post-observation feedback session: 1. What went well 2. What could be improved 3. Goal setting 4. How to improve b. A schedule for improvement 1. What went well: It's a good idea to start off the feedback session by focusing on the positive. Ask the observee what he or she thought was especially good about the lesson. "What part of the lesson are you most happy with?" "What did you like most about your lesson?" After this, you can talk about some of the things you liked too. "I really liked the production stage. Everyone was able to use the new material." 2. What could be improved Ask the observee to think about and discuss something in the lesson that didn't go as well as planned. "Tell me about a part of the lesson that could be improved." "Is there any part of the lesson that didn't go as you had planned?" You might notice something in the lesson you think could be improved. The best way to find out why the observee did something you find questionable is to ask a leading question. "Tell me about the production stage of your lesson." "Can you talk to me about the instructions you gave for the pairs activity?" "Do you feel that you achieved the aims of the lesson?" Avoid the language of regret. "You should have done the presentation before the production." "You could have written the new words on the board." "You must listen to the tape only twice." 3. Goal setting The ultimate aim of the feedback session is to set goals for future improvement. The feedback session is useful only if the observee leaves with some ideas about how to improve and how long it will take to improve. 4. How to improve: Try to elicit answers if possible. Remember to give the observee enough time to think about an answer to your question. "How do you think you can improve the presentation stage of your lesson? "What are your ideas on how to improve the listening abilities of your learners?" 5. Setting a time period for improvement: "We've talked about some ways to improve your presentation skills. How long do you think it will take to make these changes?" After you and the observee have agreed on how to improve and the time period for improvement, you can decide together when to meet again. It is a good idea to ask for an invitation to come back and observe again. "Would you mind if I observe your class again?…Let me know when you're ready." Concluding the Feedback Session Give the observee a copy of your observation notes. Always end the feedback session in a positive and supportive way! |