Over the past two terms, our teachers P-12 have been bravely engaging with a Peer Observation process. This has involved forming a small group of colleagues who visit each other’s classroom for 10-15 minutes to observe the learning.
Teachers then have been sharing a reflection based on three questions (adapted from the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership):
- Which learning disposition/s did I notice?
- What student or teacher actions showed this disposition?
- How will I adapt or experiment with this learning with my own class?
It has been wonderful to see teachers visit classes and parts of the school that aren’t normally part of their day-to-day role. In doing so, they are taking valuable time to invest in meta-learning, that is the Learning for Life language about learning that we use here at Shire. They are not just reading about it but seeing and hearing it in action.
Here are some of the things teachers have commented on during their observations:
- The great amount of student choice and voice in learning experiences and the depth of questioning and thinking demonstrated.
- Greater engagement and ownership of learning by the students.
- Differentiated ways to support all learners, including neurodiverse students and seeing them thrive in their learning environment.
- A tremendous sense of wonder and curiosity (seen in both the students and teachers).
Next week during our whole staff meeting we will come together and reflect on the process and refine it again for our peer observations during Semester 2.
Mrs Rachel Robinson
Academic Head
