Rethinking lesson observation: From performance to professional learning

Thursday 4 May 2017
Manchester Conference Centre, Manchester
Practical training to promote sustainable teacher development through observation

Why is this conference relevant? 

In recent years, research and debate across education sectors have highlighted the flaws in those models of observation that seek to rate teacher performance.

Quality and excellence in teaching are high on the political agenda in Higher Education (HE) in England at present. The recent introduction of the TEF heralds an era of unprecedented scrutiny and focus, with universities now increasingly required to demonstrate how they monitor the quality of teaching and what measures they are taking to improve it.

As a result, new approaches have been adopted by education organisations and developmental models of observation are slowly being embraced across the country.

Do you know the advantages and disadvantages of different models and which might work best for you?
Do you have the practical skills and knowledge to embed a new approach across your organisation?

Take this opportunity to update yourself on current messages from research and gain strategies to lead an effective transition to developmental observation.

This event has previously sold out in London and Birmingham and places are limited. Book early to avoid disappointment.

What can I expect?

On the day take the opportunity to network and share practice with a range of colleagues from different phases and settings and participate in practical, expert-led workshops providing you with:

  • Clarity on the latest research and policy developments and what it means for your setting
  • New observation models and the potential benefits for your organisation
  • Live self-assessment tasks to identify your own observational strengths and weaknesses
  • The chance to benchmark your current practice with peers and gain cross-sector best-practice

Drawing on state-of-the-art research and practice in the field of observation, this event shares work from an innovative project using observation in an English university. This event provides a critical insight into the work done to date to achieve a genuinely transformative teaching observation process that impacts positively upon practice and commands respect from managers and observees alike. It not only provides innovative ways of doing but innovative ways of thinking that will transform the way in which delegates conceptualise observation in an educational context.

Who should attend?

We will be welcoming participants from Primary, Secondary, FE and HE sectors to foster cross-sector debate and best-practice sharing.

Expected delegates include:

  • Quality Managers/Directors
  • Vice Principals and Principals
  • Assistant Heads and Headteachers
  • University Lecturers
  • Associate Deans for Learning and Teaching
  • Teacher Educators
  • Coaches, Mentors and Advanced Practitioners
  • Lesson Observers in quality cycles
  • Teachers Trainers
  • CPD Leaders

Join the conversation with @OptimusEd using #oeObsv