WHAT ARE SCHOOLS LOOKING FOR DURING YOUR LESSON OBSERVATION WHEN ON INTERVIEW?

Top tips for the lesson observation:

So your probably feeling pretty nervous and waiting for the information regarding the lesson observation as part of your interview. Don’t be scared, as long as you follow these simple tips you will fly through it!

Having completed a number of lesson observations myself, I have a clear understanding of what schools are looking for. 

1. Contact the school if you have not found out what they are asking you to teach, this is pretty important!
2. Contact the school if you need this added information; Seating plans (this may affect group work), background of students, PP or SEND students. What have they completed previously, this may affect your planning and any recall questions at the start.
3. Always start off with your key expectation in terms of behaviour management from the lesson. HOD/SLT will want to see that you have control of the students. Keep it simple, 2/3 rules you can explain.
4. While taking the register (ensure in silence) the students to complete a ‘Do Now’ task keeping them focused.
5. Ensure the content you are teaching is pitched to the write level. Explain what you would like them to achieve by the end of the lesson.
6. Ensure that you have support/extension tasks in place for students to achieve lesson outcome.
7. Ensure students are learning in different ways, practical tasks if applicable, paired tasks/group tasks with feedback and independent tasks where necessary. 
8. Try to pick up on names where possible and ensure you are checking learning when you need to.
9. Don’t be scared to try something new/different and engaging in your lesson. If it does not work do not worry, observers will want to see you thinking outside of the box and how you may cope with this.
10. Ensure you are engaging with the students and let your personality shine through. Move around the room, keep active and speak with the students. This allows you to reward or pick up on any low level behaviour.
11. Check learning at the end.
12. The most important point, HOD/SLT will want to see how you relate to the students, your manner and engagement with them.  

I hope this helps, If you have any comments please add to this blog!  I have a number of related teaching blog’s on our website that may help you secure that position. If you want to chat drop me a line below for a call back on any teaching opportunities at Teachers today.