Classroom observation as a method for studying teaching and learning: ways of recording what you see

In recent years the use of classroom observation has increased as governmental agencies such as Ofsted and in turn schools and colleges have come to rely on it as a vital means of collecting evidence about what goes on in classrooms. Such evidence has been used to inform current conceptualizations of what makes for effective teaching and learning (see Chapter 6), along with providing the basis on which judgements about the competence and performance of teachers are made. Interestingly though, in spite of its elevated status as a key tool in the government’s policy for teacher appraisal and development, observation remains an under-researched area with few texts having explored its strengths and limitations as a method of assessment or indeed its application.