Yeah, the quality control trap is an easy one I find myself falling back into from time to time as well. Reflection and sharing are definitely the best tools to grow. Thanks for stopping by.

Many, many thanks for the nod (and for giving my man Mike, in Korea, a shout out)

It’s a pity we so often fail to get observation “right” – as it can be such a powerful teacher development tool. Reflection on one’s own practice is so much better than dreary “learn-by-listening” workshops – and so much more rewarding for all involved (esp. when we start to use video) and when we drop the “quality control myth” and start really trying to help each other grow

T..

I competely agree that all too often observation is just a spot check. I personally find it very challenging at times to make it something more. I’ve found the action plans are key and then making the time to follow up regularly, but when you’ve got 20 teachers and only have a few hours a week where you aren’t in meetings or they aren’t teaching, it’s hard to do so.

Next time I’m in Ankara, I’ll definitely give you a head’s up. I haven’t been there in years, but some of my best Turkish friends are there.

Thanks for the mention and for your take on things, which offers a balanced perspective from both ends of the observation line

The main thing that struck me while reading was that observation really should be an on-going process with action plans being made, targets set and reviews conducted. Too often it’s just a spot check to make sure everything appears ok and that’s that.

Next time you’re in Turkey, why don’t you come and observe me and give me some useful feedback? (Perhaps hand out some tips to the observers as well )