Inside the Staffroom
Tips to ease the stress of formal evaluations and observations
By Chassie Selouane
and keep track of each professional learning goal as you work on them . Present the evidence during your year-end evaluation meeting . During observations , every classroom teacher knows that no matter how much preplanning happens , even great lessons can go wrong . Understanding this and working on the development of your personal ‘ tool box ’ of skills and strategies is crucial to becoming a great practitioner . Teachers should have the ability to shift gears when things are not going as planned . It is important for a teacher to realize that if he / she is struggling with a lesson , he / she can shift gears midway and try something different from their ‘ tool box ’.
The idea of someone watching you work , may seem odd and stressful ; however , this is the reality a teacher faces every day . As teachers , we sometimes forget our students observe our work everyday . Despite this , whether it is your first observation or one thousandth , it can be a source of stress when an administrator conducts a walkthrough or a formal observation . Many schools are currently preparing for the end of year observations and evaluations .
Below are 3 tips that may help to alleviate some of the stress associated with end of year observations and evaluations .
Tip 1 : Focus on students ’ learning , and make proactive plans to ensure that you are the facilitator of learning in your classroom
Effective pre-planning is essential to being a facilitator . It can be the easiest way to remove the stress of an evaluation or formal observation . You must be prepared to let students explore topics and research answers that focus on developing higher order thinking skills . The learning must be put in the hands of the students . A great way to encourage these skills in your classroom is to prepare lesson plans that address the objectives , standard and skills , to be covered and mastered in the lesson , processes ( including differentiation ) that ensure learning . Show that you are measuring the students ’ success , and collecting evidence as you go along .
Consider these areas when planning . When executed properly , your role in the classroom will be a facilitator of learning . Students will be engaged , happy and in charge of developing their own learning . This will show that you are always prepared for evaluation at a moment ’ s notice .
Tip 2 : Be a reflective practitioner and life-long learner .
Always be open to feedback and new learning opportunities to develop your teaching skills . Reflect on your own practice and know what works and doesn ’ t work with your classes . Set your learning goals for the year
Tip 3 : Attitude is contagious .
If you have been reading Teach Middle East Magazine for a while , you know this is a reoccurring theme in my articles . This is perhaps the most important key to success . A positive attitude and mindset can make a huge difference in a teacher ’ s performance . Students feed off the energy of their teacher . Relationships are key to fostering a positive learning environment . Understanding your students learning needs and interests is a sure way to make your classroom a meaningful learning environment . If a teacher enters every class with enthusiasm , passion and knowledge of what motivates , and encourages students to take control of their own learning , he / she has taken the first steps toward creating an engaging student centered classroom .
Evaluation Texts :
Coat of Many Pockets , Jenny MacKay
Section 1.3 Learning Skills of The UAE National Framework
What Great Teachers Do Differently : 17 Things that Matter Most , Todd Whitaker
Teaching Matters , Todd Whitaker and Beth Whitaker
38 | May - Jun 2017 | | Class Time