Improving Teaching and Learning Through Purposeful Observation
December 7 @ 2:00 pm – December 14 @ 4:30 pm
With the right intent and approach, observations of practice can unlock meaningful improvements in teaching and learning.
Observations undertaken without a clear purpose rarely lead to meaningful development and can even hinder professional growth, particularly when the stated intention does not align with the experience in practice.
When grounded in trust, clarity and purposeful design, Observations become a powerful catalyst for professional dialogue, reflection and sustained development.
This session explores how observations supported by coaching can shift practice from performance assurance to strengthening teaching quality.
In addition, we’ll focus on addressing key Ofsted priorities across FE and Skills, including sharper use of starting points, stronger adaptive practice, better feedback, and impactful CPD.
Focusing on high quality pedagogy, the session shows how developmental observation can pinpoint strengths, close gaps, and deliver meaningful improvements for learners.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- How to design an observation strategy that supports both assurance and development
- The difference between an observation, a lesson visit and a learning walk, and how to use each one
- The pros and cons of different observation models, including graded, ungraded and unseen
- How to hold a coaching conversation that changes practice, using GROW
- How to report and act on outcomes meaningfully
- Real examples and peer insights to shape your own approach
You will receive a resource pack, which includes:
- Observations of Practice Workbook – A delegate workbook which includes the reflection scales, the breakout questions, the Jade scenario and an action plan.
- Observation Template Guide – A resources with factors to consider when creating an observation template or guidance.
- GROW Question Bank – Suggested questions for each stage of the coaching conversation.
- Judging the Quality of Online and Digital Learning – Guidance for observing sessions that are not in a room.
- Observer Calibration Exercise – A practical activity that helps observers align their judgements and ensure consistent, reliable observation practice.
You will also receive recordings and slide decks for both sessions and an attendance certificate as evidence of your personal development.
About your session
This 2-part workshop is led by Annie Coles, our Technical Education Specialist at SDN Mesma Group, Annie is an experienced quality and sector leader with over 20 years’ experience across industry and further education. She has spent the past 10 years in further education, leading on the quality of apprenticeships, work-based learning, and FE and Skills curriculum, following a decade in industry roles in Health, Service & Specialty Retail sectors.
Who’s it for?
Line managers of practitioners, quality assurance and improvement professionals, anyone completing observations of practice
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