What makes some teachers highly responsive to student needs while others miss key learning moments? A powerful answer is a teacher noticing the ability to observe, interpret, and act on critical classroom events, especially those tied to student thinking.
A major 2022 review by König et al., covering 182 studies across two decades, reveals just how essential this skill is and how we can help teachers develop it.
What Is Teacher Noticing?
Teacher noticing isn’t just about “watching the room.” It’s about:
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Spotting important cues (e.g., student misconceptions),
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Interpreting the meaning behind those cues, and
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Responding purposefully in the moment.
Most research views noticing as a cognitive skill, closely linked to teaching expertise. Importantly, it’s also discipline-specific what a science teacher needs to notice can differ greatly from what matters in a math or literacy lesson.
How Can Teachers Learn to Notice?
One of the most encouraging findings? Noticing can be taught and improved.
Effective methods include:
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Video reflection: Teachers analyse real classroom footage to notice patterns in student behaviour and thinking.
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Lesson study and coaching: Structured collaboration helps teachers focus on key moments in instruction.
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Targeted CPD: Workshops and observation tools can scaffold attention on student learning over classroom management.
At ONVU Learning, we believe in the power of video-enhanced reflective practice, and this review backs that up. Teachers who regularly analyse classroom video are better equipped to see what truly matters.
What Sets Experts Apart?
The review confirms: expert teachers notice differently. They perceive subtle yet significant cues, interpret them with greater accuracy, and adjust their instruction in real-time. Novice teachers, in contrast, often miss these moments or misread them.
But here’s the opportunity: this skill develops with experience, guidance, and reflection. That’s where thoughtful professional development, like the support we offer at ONVU Learning, comes in.
Final Thoughts
Teacher noticing is not a buzzword; it’s a core habit of effective teaching. When we help educators see more clearly, they teach more purposefully.
Want to strengthen teacher noticing in your school? Start with video, focus on student thinking, and make reflection part of your culture.
Reference
König, J., Kersting, N., Stürmer, K., & Seidel, T. (2022). Teacher noticing: A systematic literature review... Educational Research Review. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2022.100442