Exploring School Leadership and Teachers’ Perspectives on the Effectiveness of Classroom Observation on Tracking Curriculum Implementation: A Case Study in a Private School in Abu Dhabi
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Date
2023-12
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Publisher
The British University in Dubai (BUiD)
Abstract
Curriculum is the core component of education development with a direct impact on learners’ knowledge, skills, and competencies. There are many approaches to evaluating the implementation process of the curriculum, and classroom observation is an effective tool as it reflects what happens inside classrooms. This qualitative case study was designed as a response to a current issue in a private international school in Abu Dhabi that lacked an appraisal policy, and the observation report was the only evaluation tool for teachers’ overall performance. Given this, the study aimed to explore the effectiveness of classroom observation as a tool to track the quality of curriculum delivery from the perspectives of heads of departments and teachers. For this to be achieved, the study utilised three instruments: semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and qualitative content analysis. The study's findings highlighted key characteristics of effective classroom observation, emphasising deliberate alignment with curriculum goals and the need for a comprehensive understanding of educational activities. The research also identified qualities in current observation rubrics, emphasising the importance of addressing inconsistencies across departments for reliable and valid assessments. Additionally, teacher and school leadership perspectives revealed the influence of experience and pedagogical beliefs, emphasising the need for professional development to enhance professionalism and support positive views of observations.
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Keywords
curriculum, curriculum implementation, classroom observation