Teachers have a very tough job. They often work in difficult circumstances. While their work load is very high, they seldom have all the resources they need to do their jobs well. Many teachers have to deal with disciplinary problems and sometimes they even have to work under dangerous conditions. Opportunities for professional development are few and far between, but at least they can become part of instructional rounds to learn from respected colleagues.

The concept is simple and straightforward. A small group of teachers, under the leadership of a senior colleague attend the class of another teacher that is deemed experienced and innovative. The observers do not take any part in the classroom activities. They are simply focused on observing and on making notes. No teacher is ever forced to agree to being observed or even to attend an observation session.

Even though observation sessions are rather informal, observers still meet before each session in order to set goals for the session. Teachers being observed are often known for specific skills or talents and it is these talents in action that that the observers want to see and learn from. For example, a particular teacher may have an excellent reputation for maintaining discipline in the class and observers will focus on his techniques in this respect.

Observation sessions do no have an element of evaluation and the purpose is certainly not to judge the abilities of the teacher being observed. That is one reason why only experienced teachers are observed. The sole purpose is to learn from the teacher under observation. Observers do not even provide feedback unless the observed teacher asks for it. The purpose of the sessions is also explained to learners ahead of time.

After observation sessions, observers meet again. This meeting is confidential and no formal notes or reports are drawn up. The purpose of this meeting is to consolidate the lessons learnt during the observation session. The observers share their notes and they discuss ways in which they can improve their own performance in the classroom by applying ideas and techniques that they observed during the session.

It seems as if observation sessions are beneficial for everybody within the education system. Teachers benefit because they are afforded the opportunity to learn new skills and teaching techniques. Learners benefit because their teachers are newly motivated and eager to improve results. Even teachers being observed benefit because they are given recognition for excellence in the classroom. In this way the entire system benefits and the quality of education is improved.

Critics say that these sessions are nothing but a waste of time. They are of the opinion that the sessions are to short to result in meaningful learning. There are even those that say that teachers being observed often act out of character during such sessions because they simply want to impress their colleagues. Most teachers disagree. They say that they find the sessions worthwhile and instructive.

Nobody will deny the fact that one of the most important components of a healthy society is a quality educational system. Anything that helps to improve the quality of education should be applauded. Teachers need every opportunity that they can get to grow both personally and professionally. In the end, society as a whole benefits.