The Significance Of Instructional Rounds

By Joyce Williams


Numerous practices take place in learning institutions. Most of the practices usually involve the student. However, there are exercises where both teachers and their students can engage in. One such practice involves carrying out instructional rounds. This is a kind of evaluation exercise where a team of teachers get to make observations on other teachers.

The team of teachers contains around five teachers, who are either volunteers or are selected randomly. The team is headed by a teacher, who is responsible of conducting the whole exercise. After the team is informed of what is expected from them, a suitable date is appointed on which the exercise will take place. All the observations during one of the learning sessions made are recorded for later discussions.

To ensure the exercise is effective, it is always advisable that the number of teachers in the group should not exceed five. Early preparation is done for the students. They are usually informed of the events that would be taking place so that they may maintain a normal routine; hence, ensuring that the correct observations are made.

As soon as all these tools have been made, the teachers meet to lay on the table each of their findings. Taking turns, each teacher is offered a chance to present the observations made. Once each of them has laid out their observations, they compile the information while outlining the positive and negative aspects of their study. This way, they analyze all the aspects of their study and decide on what should be done to move forward.

It is important that schools employ the use of this exercise as it has shown to cause a positive impact. The teachers learn a lot while participating in the exercise. Furthermore, they are able to evaluate themselves and see what they can pick from their colleagues that could enhance their teaching methods.

Another added advantage of carrying out these kinds of tools is that it promotes interaction among teachers. They get to know each other better and are also able to learn a lot from each other. They also help build and improve on another. For instance, if a teacher points out a mistake committed by a fellow colleague, he has to offer ways in which he thinks could be done to overcome such issues.

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.

Learning institutions should really consider employing this exercise. Teachers should actually volunteer for such exercise, this is because the exercise itself involves evaluation that is quite friendly. It helps one gauge their performance and work on areas where they might be challenged in. Therefore, they should not shy away, rather they ought to embrace it since there a lot of benefits to be enjoyed.




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