Peer Observations Conrad Heyns Joanna Norton Background PAEP

Peer Observations Conrad Heyns & Joanna Norton

Background • PAEP? 2 Blocks of 8 – 12 weeks and 600 students • 35 staff members • Regular observations • Inspections • New teachers

Research & Collaboration • • Staff meetings Reading articles Webinars Personal experience

Reflective Observations • Setting parameters: • • Strengths Weaknesses Areas of improvement What is working well New ideas Staff development Peer feedback

Process • • Cover teacher available One week Timetable Reflective statements (evidence) • Staff development

Feedback • A very positive experience! • I feel that this informal approach to peer observation has positive repercussions as it takes the pressure off and allows you to engage in a non-competitive atmosphere. • I enjoyed it tremendously. Seeing other professionals work can only be enriching. Peer observation …. allows the teacher to do three things: to experience the lesson with the students, to watch and learn from other teachers – this includes everything from classroom management to specific activities, and thus, most importantly, to reflect on their own teaching practices, An entirely positive, productive experience.

Staff development • • Rapid training slots Insessional meetings Presessional meetings Conferences Roll out? How do we build on it? Applicability to other disciplines?