An Introduction to Classroom Observation

An increasing number of people have to observe what happens in classrooms as part of their jobs; from teachers performing initial training in teaching practice, to heads of departments carrying out appraisals of colleagues, and inspectors evaluating schools. Using a combination of case studies, photographs and illustrations, Ted Wragg, himself an international expert in classroom observation, introduces some of the many ways of observing, analyzing, and trying to improve classroom practice. He describes qualitative approaches to understanding, and explains what lies behind events and quantitative methods, including the use of category systems, rating schedules and time lines. He shows how lessons can be studied by a variety of people for different purposes and in different contexts.