A Workshop on Classroom Observation conducted by Mr. Archie McGlynn, the Director of Hong Kong Schools Self-evaluation Network (HKSSEN)

 A professional development workshop for KLA conveners and subject heads on 'Classroom Observation' was successfully held on Wednesday, 28th February, 2007 from 2:30 to 5:00 pm.

The workshop was conducted by Mr. Archie McGlynn, the Director of Hong Kong Schools Self-evaluation Network. It focused on what, why and how classroom observation is carried out. There were video shows of an English lesson and a Chemistry lesson and a post observation interview. All teachers actively participated in group discussions on the strengths and areas for improvement of the two lessons, and how the post observation interview was conducted. The feedback from our teachers was overwhelmingly enthusiastic and fruitful. The issues raised by the video clips of real teachers in real Hong Kong classrooms were positive and insightful and all teachers responded so well and participated fully in the discussions. Mr. McGlynn also suggested some agenda guidelines for post observation interviews and introduced the 'Archie's Eight Always Remember' for classroom observation which was immensely helpful to teachers.

It was a fruitful workshop through which teachers' understanding of the rationale, principles, aims and ways of classroom observation was enhanced. Teachers began to realize that lesson observation is to observe the process of learning and teaching in classrooms. As teachers' actual classroom practices are of vital importance to student's learning outcome, schools should put great emphasis on teachers' classroom practices. Classroom observation, therefore, becomes one of the necessary and critical means in understanding a teacher's effectiveness.

It is indeed our greatest pleasure to have Mr Archie McGlynn to offer us such a lively, enjoyable, inspiring and stimulating learning occasion!