As a teacher in a private language school in Thailand, I know first hand the nerves that can accompany an observation. 

The mere thought of a supervisor sitting at the back of the classroom, clipboard in hand, can send shivers down any teacher’s spine. But over time, I’ve come to appreciate observations not as something to be feared, but as an opportunity for growth, reflection, and ultimately, professional development.

Understanding the purpose of observations

Observations should exist to support, not scrutinize. While it’s natural to feel a bit anxious when being evaluated, the real goal of these sessions is to enhance teaching practices, not to point fingers at what’s going wrong. At my school, observations are framed as developmental rather than judgmental, and this is a mindset I encourage all teachers to adopt.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that observations are a form of punishment. Many teachers worry that they will be “caught out” making mistakes or that their teaching style will be unfairly criticized. However, the reality is that these sessions are meant to help us refine our techniques, adapt to different student needs, and receive constructive feedback that can elevate our lessons.

The benefits of being observed

Teaching can be an isolating profession, even in a bustling language school. When we’re in the classroom day in and day out, we can develop blind spots. An observer provides a fresh set of eyes, offering insights we might not have considered. Sometimes, something as simple as adjusting classroom seating arrangements or tweaking a warm-up activity can make a world of difference.

Observations provide a chance to receive tailored feedback that can directly improve our teaching. In my experience, constructive feedback has helped me become more efficient in my lesson planning, more effective in my classroom management, and more creative in my approach to engaging students.

While some teachers dread observations, I’ve found that they can actually be a confidence booster. There’s nothing more satisfying than being told you’re doing a great job, especially when it comes from a seasoned educator. Positive reinforcement from an observer can reaffirm that we are on the right track and give us the encouragement to keep refining our skills.

In private language schools, collaboration can sometimes take a backseat as we focus on back-to-back lessons and different student groups. Observations can open the door to valuable discussions with colleagues and supervisors, allowing us to exchange ideas, strategies, and experiences. Learning from each other is one of the most effective ways to improve as a teacher.

Ultimately, observations lead to better teaching, which translates to better learning experiences for our students. When we fine-tune our lessons based on observation feedback, we create more engaging, interactive, and effective classes that help students reach their language goals more efficiently.

Don't dread observations, embrace them!

Instead of viewing observations as an unwelcome intrusion, we should see them as a professional privilege. We are in a field that is constantly evolving, and having someone help us reflect and improve is a gift rather than a burden.

If you find yourself dreading an upcoming observation, try shifting your mindset. Prepare as you normally would, stay open to feedback, and remind yourself that no teacher - no matter how experienced - knows everything. We all have room to grow, and observations are one of the best tools available to help us do just that.

So the next time your school schedules an observation, take a deep breath, smile, and embrace the opportunity. It just might make you an even better teacher than you already are!