Monday, June 19, 2017

The Importance Of Instructional Rounds

By Joyce Williams


There are countless number of practices that schools can make use of to help improve the quality of education they provide to students. One of the most important exercise that is usually recommended for learning institutions is carrying out instructional rounds. These rounds usually encompasses a team of teachers making rounds from one classroom to another to try and access or rather make observations of what is going on around in the classroom with each of the teachers making their observations and putting it down.

A teacher, who is highly thought of by other teachers is usually appointed as the lead teacher. He or she is often responsible of carrying out the exercise and overseeing it to ensure success. A team of teachers either selected or volunteering is then given a short briefing on what is supposed to be done. It is required that each teacher put down every observation made during the exercise.

Any teacher can offer to volunteer. The group of teachers doing the rounds is usually small comprising of not more than five teachers the lead teacher included. A day is appointed on which these tools will be carried out. Students are also given a chance to participate in the exercise. Information regarding the exercise is usually made known to the students so that they are not caught unawares. It also helps the students to relax and take it as any other exercise.

Once the exercise is done, the teachers analyze and discuss on the observations made. They are all given equal opportunities to present what they observed during the tools. They closely evaluate all the observations all the while noting both the positive and negative details. The lead teacher just as in the making of the rounds is also in charge of the discussion.

These rounds have proven to be effective since they have aided in the improvement of a lot of issues in schools. Apart from teachers gaining a lot of information from the exercise, they have become more equipped with all the essential materials to improve their teaching techniques; thus, enhancing the quality of education provided.

In addition to bettering the teacher overall skills, the tools also promote good interactions among teachers. They get the opportunity to engage with each other and learn a lot from the experiences of one another. They are able to pick a lesson or two about how they can improve their teaching methodology. This also promotes friendly working environments, since they are all comfortable with each other and can accept corrections.

Moreover, many challenges faced by both students and teachers can be able to be addressed this way. During the discussion, problems stated get to be addressed. Measures are put in place in terms of what action should be taken so as to minimize if not to fully eradicate the challenges. Each teacher gets to give out their views on how best they think a solution can be drawn.

In conclusion, it is fair to state that the tools are of great value. This is clearly seen from the number of positive impacts it has on any school. Therefore, it is encouraged that learning institutions employ the culture of this practice. It is a friendly experience and the most should be made out of it.




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