Lesson observations are a cornerstone of professional development in education. Done right, they offer a powerful opportunity for teachers to grow, reflect, and refine their craft. But when poorly executed, they can create anxiety and erode trust. So, how can schools make the most of lesson observations to support teacher growth and improve outcomes for students?
Here’s a guide to conducting lesson observations that are productive, respectful, and impactful.
1. Define the Purpose
Before any observation takes place, be clear about why you're doing it. Is it for professional development, quality assurance, coaching, or research? Transparency about the purpose builds trust and helps teachers feel more at ease.
Whether it's a formal observation for a performance review or an informal peer-to-peer session, clarity from the start sets the tone for a collaborative process.
2. Create a Supportive Culture
Successful observations thrive in a culture of openness and trust. Teachers need to feel safe sharing their real classroom practices, not just their “best” lessons. Encourage a mindset of growth, where observations are viewed not as inspections but as shared learning experiences.
Leaders should model this attitude by participating in observations themselves and focusing on constructive feedback.
3. Focus on Specific Goals
Vague observations often lead to vague feedback. Instead, agree in advance on a specific area to focus on, like student engagement, questioning techniques, or classroom management. This sharpens the observer’s lens and makes feedback more relevant and actionable.
Collaboratively setting goals also ensures that observations align with each teacher’s development priorities.
4. Use Technology Thoughtfully
Video observation tools like ONVU Learning allow teachers to reflect more accurately on their practice. With video, there’s no need to rely solely on memory or a third-party interpretation. Teachers can review real classroom moments at their own pace, gaining insights into both their own actions and student responses.
Technology should complement, not replace, the human element. The goal is to empower teachers, not to “catch them out.”
5. Provide Meaningful Feedback
Feedback is the heart of any observation. Make sure it’s:
- Timely: Deliver feedback soon after the observation while the lesson is still fresh.
- Specific: Focus on observable behaviours, not general impressions.
- Balanced: Highlight strengths as well as areas for growth.
- Actionable: Offer clear next steps or strategies for improvement.
Consider making the feedback a two-way conversation. Ask the teacher for their reflections before offering your perspective. This encourages ownership and deeper engagement.
6. Reflect and Follow Up
The observation shouldn’t be the end of the process. Give teachers time to reflect, experiment with changes, and follow up with additional support. Whether through coaching, peer collaboration, or revisiting video clips, ongoing reflection ensures the observation has a lasting impact.
Conclusion
Lesson observations are most powerful when they are collaborative, focused, and rooted in trust. By defining the purpose, using technology wisely, and centring the process on professional growth, schools can turn observations into a meaningful part of every teacher’s journey.
Done right, lesson observations aren't just about improving teaching—they're about building a culture of continuous learning.
📖 Read the original blog post here: How to Conduct a Successful Lesson Observation – ONVU Learning Blog