Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 12. Number4   December 2021                                Pp. 415-425
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol12no4.27

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Improving Classroom Observation through Training: A qualitative Study in College of
Technology in Oman
 

Haroun Mohammed Abdullah AL-Balushi
English Language Center
University of Technology & Applied Sciences
Ibra- Sultanate of Oman
Corresponding Author: hms350l@gmail.com

Noor Saazai bt Mat Saad
Faculty of Major Languages Studies Malaysia
University Sains Islam Malaysia, Malaysia

 

Received: 9/6/2021                 Accepted: 11/18/2021            Published: 12/15/2021

 

Abstract:
Historically, classroom observations have been conducted in educational establishments for different purposes such as evaluation of teachers, promotion, curriculum design, or professional development. In this study, the researchers aimed to improve the effectiveness of the classroom observation process in an English Language Center based in a College of Technology in the Sultanate of Oman. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology and semi-structured interviews as the data collection tool. In the first stage, observers and teachers were interviewed to understand the existing classroom observation process. Based on the initial data, a training program was developed with materials from international good practice projects. Finally, the changes were identified through the second set of interviews with the participants. The major results of this study suggest that the training program contributed positively to the perceived effectiveness of the classroom observation process, reduced anxiety related to this process, and led to more balanced participation from both the observers and the teachers. Moreover, the implementation of the pre-observation conferences started taking place and post-observation meetings included more constructive feedback. This study adds to the literature on the importance of classroom observation training with a practical training program. This practical approach can be adopted in similar contexts with some adaptation to meet the specific needs of educational institutions. The researchers suggest a qualitative research approach to accompany any such future training to measure the effects of the training program.
Keywords: classroom observation, college of technology in Oman, non-directive approach, pre-observation conference, training program

Cite as: AL-Balushi, H. M. A., &  Mat Saad, N.S. (2021). Improving Classroom Observation through Training: A qualitative Study in College of Technology in Oman.  Arab World English Journal, 12 (4) 415-425.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol12no4.27

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Received: 9/6/2021 
Accepted: 11/18/2021
Published: 12/15/2021
https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol12no4.27 

Haroun M. Al Balushi is an English language lecturer at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Oman. Before joining the university, he worked in the Ministry of Education as an English language teacher, supervisor and a senior supervisor. He holds a Master degree in ELT from the European University of Lefke. He is currently a Ph.D. student at USIM in Malaysia. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0498-847X

Dr. Noor Sazai graduated from the University of the United Kingdom with a PhD in (TESL). She did her masters and first degree at University of Malaya (UM). She joined USIM University (University of Sains Islam Malaysia) in 2007. Currently, she is teaching English Language and Technology in Education and also Practical Research. Her areas of interest and publications cover learning experiences, international education and teacher education. https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-9558-3223