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Research casts doubt on US observation approach

Introducing more frequent and structured lesson observations makes no difference to pupils’ GCSE outcomes in English and maths, according to the latest research findings from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF).

The results of a study involving 14,100 pupils in 82 secondary schools have been published as part of the EEF’s Teaching and Learning Toolkit, which looks at the efficacy of Pupil Premium strategies and interventions.

The Teacher Observation approach involves more frequent and structured lesson observations where teachers observe their colleagues and give them feedback.

The intervention was designed and delivered by a team from the Centre for Market and Public Organisation at the University of Bristol with an independent evaluation conducted by the National Foundation for Education Research (NFER).

The randomised controlled trial saw maths and English teachers in the schools asked to take part in at least six structured 20-minute peer observations over a two-year period (with a suggested number of between 12 and 24).

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