Conducting feedback observation sessions is a great tool for professional development within your Swim School. These observation sessions allow Swim Schools to analyse, critique and reflect on their learn-to-swim program and also their teacher’s performances.
Tips for conducting feedback observation sessions
- Ensure the person carrying out the session is completely familiar with all policies, teaching methods and terminology
- During the session be sure to situate yourself in a position where you will be able to see and hear the instructor
- Be professional. Try to position yourself away from parents and be discrete with your recording procedure
- Follow a consistent format by recording on a feedback form, then make notes or expanding on points
- Discuss the feedback form with the swim teacher. But be sure to go though the feedback in a place that will not cause any embarrassment to either party
- Photocopy the feedback form and give a copy to the swim teacher involved. Place the other copy in the staff record book.
Positive Feedback
Conducting feedback observation sessions is not as an assessment of a persons’ teaching ability, but rather a constructive means to provide positive feedback to all teachers at the Swim School. The feedback will help everyone become highly qualified teachers through continual training, retraining and positive feedback. It can also be used to identify areas that your program can be achieve improvement. As well as highlight areas the Swim School can work on during their in house professional development sessions.
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