Observing beginning physical education teachers teaching

Observing a beginning teacher teaching is one approach used to identify progress and to support development of their teaching in order to enhance pupils' learning. This chapter aims to support mentor in undertaking observation. It looks at the importance of observation, the process of observation, and how observation can be used effectively to support a beginning physical education teacher's development. Each observation should have a clear focus, which both the observer and the beginning teacher agree on and are clear about. It is important to plan and prepare for each observation and to learn from the observation. Hence, each observation starts prior to the lesson and finishes after the lesson, with pre- and post-lesson preparation and follow-up activities, normally with pre-and post-lesson discussions. The use of visual recording is becoming more common in observing beginning teachers. Marsh and Mitchell identified that the growing use of video within the classroom can enhance observational practice.