Lesson Observation Culture and Norms

Singapore teachers are generally not quite used to having many visitors in the classrooms, unlike in Japan. However, it is slowly changing in certain classrooms where the teachers are involved in lesson study. In some schools, the culture of peer lesson observation has started.

Observations in Singapore classrooms are normally conducted by the reporting officers (RO) such as a department head or principal, who will do the annual or semesterly observation of a classroom teacher teaching. It has been rather evaluative in nature, though sometimes, it is formative. The lessons of trainee or beginning teachers are also observed by their mentors and supervisors. There is some anxiety associated with lesson observations.

It may be a little unsettling for some teachers and pupils in Singapore if there is a considerable amount of movement by visitors in the class. The observers in the classroom tend to sit quietly to observe.

The schools in Singapore are excited about your visit. For most of the students in Singapore, it may be the first time they had so many overseas visitors in a classroom. Having Caucasian visitors may intrigue the younger students even more.

For some of the lesson observations, the observers will be divided into 2 groups so that it will be less cramped in the classroom. Each participant will observe about 2 lessons per school.

Regarding the use of digital camera, we can ask for permission to take photos of the lesson. Please avoid using flash when taking photos during the lesson time. Please avoid taking close-up photos of specific students, especially if the photos will be viewed by others outside the progam or the general public. Thank you for your understanding.

The teachers are looking forward to the lesson observations and discussions too.