Tutor Handbook

The principal objective is to observe what learning is taking place and the impact this is having on people attending your class. Observers use the Education Inspection Framework criteria, as the basis for the judgements they make when visiting classes. Grades are awarded, for the whole learning experience, as follows:

1. Outstanding
2. Good
3. Satisfactory
4. Inadequate

Observations will normally last between 45 minutes and an hour

Please provide the observer with your course file, including course details, a scheme of work, session plan etc – see the Tutor Course File Checklist.  The observer will want to see your marked class register

You are also required to email a copy of your scheme of work to the observer at least two days prior to the observation and to provide an additional hard copy of your session plan at the start of the session

The observer will take notes during the session

The observer will want to talk to your learners for a few minutes, usually on a one-to-one basis whilst they are working on solo or small group activities. This should not cause major disruption to your planning and approach, but please try to structure the session, where possible, so that this is feasible, or arrange a suitable break

The observer would prefer to sit where they can see both you and the learners.  They may move around the room if the learners move around, move into groups or are involved in an activity

Do not involve the observer in the session (ie don’t plan for them to join in or help learners)