February 12 , 2005 - Who is the Master?
I recently observed a training session where principals were learning a new software tool designed to assist them in completing teacher observations easily. The training really was more of a demo than an actually training as 2 1/2 hours of the session was devoted to the trainer showing the tool. As I watched this training session and observed the principals, I realized that this tool was probably not going to be an effective for them. Why do I say that? Well, there are so many customizable portions of the tool that it will require quite a bit of investment on the part of the principals to learn all those features, and frankly I don't see the payoff in learning those features. What struck a real cord in me was that most of these customizable options are not something that the principal would probably use in an observation. Additionally, the tool was quite complicated to use--it was not apparent where to look for certain features. It contained a scripting feature where the principal could insert scripted comments into the observation in real-time. Problem was, the principal needed to memorize what keys were assigned to what comments. Now, it seems to me that during an observation, I want the principal focused on the learning that is occuring in the classroom not on using this tool. The tool expects the principal to turn off and on counters based on specific criteria and at the same time turn on date stamps and select pre-canned comments in the script portion. I see this tool as being the master.
So, what would be better suited. The ability to write (on a tablet PC) the comments of the observation. A checkbox for items that are observed throughout the observation rather than timers and counters. It looks to me that the tool is trying to change the way that observations are conducted and it would be a better tool if instead it "fitted" in with how supervisors currently conduct observation. This is an example of a programmer going overboard in designing a solution to a problem that isn't really a problem. Principals have been conducting observations for quite some time. What is needed here is a quick check list of things observed/evidence, along with the ability to write the lesson outline and convert to text. This would be a tool that principals could use.