4.3ProfessionalDevelopment.docVIP

4.3 Professional Development 4.3.1 In Service Professional Development 4.3.1.1 Observations Observations of lessons should be undertaken by: The Director of Studies (DoS) Teachers Center Manager (CM) Course Consultants (CC) The Director of Studies Observations The DoS should observe each teacher approximately every two to three months. The purpose of DoS observations is: To provide coaching for teachers as it is needed To diagnose problem areas for teachers. This information can be used for future enhancements to the EF English First teacher-training program. To enable the DoS to speak confidently to all concerned parties about the quality of teaching in the center To show students that EF English First cares about teaching quality and professional development To compare different teacher’s strengths, weaknesses and areas of special expertise. This enables the DoS to schedule effectively: providing the correct teacher for each course, coordinate team-teaching and implement peer training and support systems To act a basis for teacher evaluation To suggest ideas for future professional development workshops Teacher Observations The purpose of teacher observations is: To enable new teachers to see how different techniques work with different types of classes and age groups To encourage an atmosphere of constructive peer training and input among the teaching staff To help familiarize part-time teachers with EF English First methodology and products Local Staff The purpose of local staff observations is: To familiarize non-teaching staff with EF English First products and methodology, enabling them to deal more effectively with customers in terms of enquiries and complaints To familiarize non-teaching staff with the center’s teaching compliment Basic guidelines for observations The observer should give the teacher adequate notice. Three days should be sufficient. Ideally, the teacher should choose which class is observed. The teacher being observed should provide the o