How to prepare for your first teaching observation: Five useful tips for NQTs

It is perfectly natural for newly qualified teachers (NQTs) to feel apprehensive about their first class observation, as such experience can be deemed slightly unnerving and intimidating. However, an important thing to bear in mind is that, just like doctors, school observers have seen it all. From the highs and the lows of teaching; inspectors are aware that managing a classroom is a challenging task, which is why they are not there to be bias nor pass judgement. They are merely observing to provide useful feedback that will help you grow in your journey of becoming an outstanding teacher.
To help make the experience feel less intense, here is our guide on how to carry out a successful observation class.

1. Organise your stationery

There are some things that you can’t predict nor prevent in a lesson observation; however, not having enough stationery in your class is a disaster waiting to occur and one that can be easily avoided. Your lesson could be going according to plan and you’re off to a great start until a student says that their whiteboard pen is out of ink. Instead of wasting precious time trying to find a replacement, why not set up your classroom the evening before and allocate all the things your pupils will need to undergo the lesson. Make sure to have extra stationery on standby so that you can maintain organisation in this likely scenario.

2. Remain calm at all times and be yourself                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While it is very handy to have a lesson plan prepared for an observation, it is also important to improvise and ensure your practice doesn’t feel too scripted. Observers can tell when a teacher has over-rehearsed their lesson plan so try and be yourself, and remember that your classroom is not a stage. Go against the status quo and be creative, but also ensure that your teaching strategies are effective, engaging, fun but most importantly educational.

3. Get in touch with the observer beforehand
If you have been informed of a scheduled observation, sometimes a proactive way to make the experience easier is by getting in contact with the observer and disclosing your lesson plan to them prior to the day. If they are open to the idea, take this opportunity to share the context of your lesson plan and ask for their thoughts afterwards.
Discuss your lesson choice and why you think the topic can connect well with the pupils, but also be open to suggestions from the observer. This approach shows that you are a dedicated teacher that values honest feedback, especially if you are willing to take it on board and make improvements.

4. Technology malfunction
So you have decided to make use of the internet and introduce video content to your class, but suddenly the computer loses connection. Don’t rely too much on technology for your observation class, and make sure to have a back-up plan in the event that things don’t go accordingly. Check the night before that your technology resources are in good condition, and just to be on the safe side; double check again in the morning before the class commences. To be precise, it is better to expect the unexpected and make sure all bases are covered.

5. Make use of your Teaching Assistant (TA)
If you have a TA that supports you in the classroom, make sure they are there during the observation to help you manage the workload. Have a meeting with them far in advance about your chosen topic for the lesson, and inform them which students they’ll be assisting on the day.

Tip! Stick to routine and try not to overdo it with improvisation. An observer will always admire a teacher’s ability to implement creativity, but try and have a structure in the classroom to demonstrate your superb organisation skills.