Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 12. Number4 December 2021 Pp. 415-425
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol12no4.27
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
References
Almutairi, T. S. SH. S. A. (2016). Teacher Evaluation in Kuwait – Evaluation of the Current System and Consideration of Risk-Based Analysis as a Principle for Further Development, Durham theses, Durham University. Available at Durham E-Theses Online: http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/11857/
Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company.
Carreiro, J., Guffey, J.S., & Rampp, L. C. (1999). A Paradigm for the Training of Part-Time Teachers in Community Colleges. Retrieved from: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED436194
Chapman, O. (2007). Preservice Secondary Mathematics Teachers’ Knowledge and Inquiry Teaching Approaches. In Woo, J. H., Lew, H. C., Park, K. S. & Seo, D. Y. (Eds.). Proceedings of the 31st Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, Vol. 2, pp. 97-104. Seoul: PME.
Duffy, F. M. (1997). Supervising schooling, not teachers. Educational Leadership, 54, ( 8), 78-83.
Freeman, D. (1982). Observing Teachers: Three Approaches to In-Service Training and Development. TESOL Quarterly, 16(1), 21-28. doi:10.2307/3586560
Glickman, C. D., & Tamashiro, R. T. (1980). Clarifying teachers’ beliefs about discipline. Educational Leadership, 37(6), 459-464.
Glickman, C. D. (1990). Supervision of instruction: A developmental approach (2nd ed.). Boston: Allan and Bacon.
Goldhammer, R., Anderson, R. & Krajewski, J. (1980). Clinical Supervision: Special Methods for the Supervision of Teachers. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston.
Goldsberry, L. (1988). Three functional methods of supervision. Action in teacher education, 10(1), 1-10.
Gordove, E. (2002) Educational Management. Christ the King College. Calbayog City, Philippines.
Klinger, D. A., Shulha, L. M., & DeLuca, C. (2008). Teacher evaluation, accountability, and professional learning: The Canadian perspective. Pensamiento educativo, 43(2), 209-222.
Marshall, K. (2009). Rethinking Teacher Supervision and Evaluation: How to Work Smart,Build Collaboration,
and Close the Achievement Gap. Second Edition.
Mulyasa, E. (2007). Kepala sekolah profesional. Bandung: Remaja Rosdakarya. Bali, Indonesia.
OECD (2013), Teachers for the 21st Century: Using Evaluation to Improve Teaching, OECD publishing.
Olivia, P. F., & Pawlas, G. E. (1997). Supervision for Today‘s Schools, 5th ed New York, NY.: Longman.
Pennington, M., & Young, A. (1989). Approaches to Faculty Evaluation for ESL. TESOL Quarterly, 23(4), 619-646. doi:10.2307/3587535
Zuzovsky, R. (2009). Teachers’ qualifications and their impact on student achievement: Findings from TIMSS 2003 data for Israel. IERI Monograph Series. Issues and Methodologies in Large-Scale Assessments, 2, 37-62.
Tennant, A. (2006). Key issues in classroom observation. IATEFL VOICES, 191, (8).
Wilcox, B. (2000). Making School Inspection Visits More Effective: The English Experience. Paris: UNESCO
Wragg, E.C. (1999). An Introduction to Classroom Observation and Class Management in Primary Schools. Published in April 2001 by Roultledgefalmer.