TASK 4.2

1. How would you as a teacher trainer introduce the peer lesson observation?

I would start by pointing out the fact that we all are always learning. Nobody knows it all, even

people with a big deal of experience. So, I would remark that the observation experience is a

learning process for both the trainer and the trainee. Even unexperienced teachers have

something to teach us: their style, their techniques, the way they approach students. It is

important to watch other teachers working, because that’s the way to improve our own teaching

techniques.

2. Which observation tasks will be interesting for your trainees?

The human attention span is of about 15 min., so I would recommend to observe how the teacher

manages the ice-breakers and the lesson introduction, because these critical moments will define

the rhythm of the class and the learning attitude from students.

3. How would you prepare your visit with the trainee? What information do you need

before the observation?

We will need to know ahead time information like: lesson plan, materials, resources, etc.

4. How long should the lesson observation last?

I think it should take the entire lesson, because of the following reasons: during the first minutes,

both the students and the teacher will be aware of the observation (unless it is secret), so there

might be pressure and stress, and the flowing of the class could be affected. At the middle of the

lesson everybody starts relaxing and then the student’s learning attitude and understanding shows

up. At the end of lesson, everybody will be themselves, and we can then give real feedback.

5. How would write down the feedback?

A feedback must always start with the positive observations, giving support and underlining the

positive outcome. Then, if there is something wrong to point out, it should be given last.

6. How would you manage the feedback discussion?

Like I said before, giving first the positive feedback, and then, if there is a negative feedback, it

should be given in the less critical manner.

7. What happen if the trainee fails? What advice would you give him/her?

I don´t think there is such a thing like failure. It is always a learning process, and every opportunity

gives us the chance to learn. Even experienced people sometimes makes huge mistakes. So, I

would advice him/her not to take a bad experience as a failure and not to confuse their personal

value with a mistake. There will always be the chance to make it up.

8. What the trainee can do, if he doesn´t accept the feedback of the trainer?

He or she can always ask for a second opinion. But if the trainee keeps making mistakes, then

he or she should be advised to reconsider their job orientation.

9. Is a second visit possible? With the same trainer?

I do believe that we all deserve a second chance, but I recommend it rather be with another

trainer, so the trainee would not have the opportunity to think that the prior trainer will take

it on him.