Peer observations between teachers, where they watch their colleagues at work, can provide them with invaluable insights into the effectiveness of their practice, while simultaneously offering an effective way to help them to secure improvement. There is, therefore, a key role for peer observations in raising standards in educational institutions. However, all too often, even where the use of peer observations is attempted, because of poor understanding about their use, much of their potential value is lost. As a consequence, peer observations can often be restricted to a minor role in the professional development of teachers. Given the potential benefits that they can offer, this is unfortunate. Therefore, this book takes the reader through the entire process of peer observations, from their initial planning, through to the post-observation meeting. Based on extensive experience, it aims to provide both teachers and managers with a brief practical guide to undertaking peer observations and extracting the maximum benefit from them.
