Peer observation is a simple, low-cost way to grow as an English teacher. One teacher watches another teach for a short time. Then they share friendly feedback. No fear. No blame. Only learning. This guide shows how to use peer observation in Rwandan secondary schools to boost English lessons under CBC.
What Is Peer Observation?
Peer observation means two teachers help each other. One teacher teaches. The other watches for 10–20 minutes with a small checklist. After class, they talk for 10 minutes. They share two praises and one suggestion. Next time, they swap roles. The goal is better learning for students, not judging the teacher.
Key idea
Short visits + kind feedback = steady growth.
Why it fits CBC
CBC wants active learners, clear skills, and teamwork. Peer observation builds these habits inside the school.
Rwanda-friendly
It works in both rural and urban schools. You need only a plan, a checklist, and respect.
Why Peer Observation Works (CBC & Rwanda)
Peer observation helps teachers and learners. It grows trust, skills, and results.
Builds trust and teamwork
When teachers watch each other, they share ideas. Departments and PLCs get stronger.
Improves classroom practice
Feedback is fast and simple. Teachers adjust the next lesson right away.
Helps learners talk more English
Observers note student talk time, group work, and real tasks. This supports CBC goals.
A Simple Peer Observation Cycle (30 Days)
Use this 4-step cycle each month. Keep it light and regular.
1) Plan (Week 1)
Pick one small goal for English. For example: “Increase student talk time to 60%.” Decide who will observe whom. Prepare a one-page checklist.
2) Observe (Week 2)
Watch for 10–20 minutes. Sit at the back. Note only what students do and say. Do not interrupt the lesson.
3) Feedback (Week 2)
Right after class, meet for 10 minutes. Use this frame: Two Stars and a Wish. Give two praises. Share one clear suggestion for the next lesson.
4) Try Again (Weeks 3–4)
The teacher tries the suggestion. The observer does a quick follow-up visit. Celebrate the small win in your PLC.
What to Look For in an English Lesson (Simple Rubric)
Focus on a few items. Keep the language simple.
Language objectives
Was there a clear English goal on the board? Example: “Students can use past simple to tell a story.”
Student talk time
Did students speak more than the teacher? Aim for short teacher talk and long student talk.
Task quality
Were tasks active? Examples: pair dialog, role play, info-gap, quick presentations.
Inclusion and support
Did all learners join? Were groups mixed by gender and level? Were sentence starters offered?
Quick assessment
Was there an exit ticket or mini-check at the end?
How to Start in Your School (Low-Cost)
Begin small. Keep it friendly. Use what you have.
Pair teachers
Pair a novice with a mentor. Or pair two friends who trust each other.
Link to your PLC
Use 10 minutes of PLC time to plan the focus and share one tip per week. Protect PLC time on the timetable.
Use a one-page tool
Make a simple checklist. Print a few copies or keep them in a shared phone folder.
Typical Rwanda Examples
These are short, real-life ideas you can try this term.
S1 Speaking (Kinyarwanda → English)
Topic: “At the market in Kigali.”
Observer notes: Did pairs use polite phrases? Did each learner speak? Suggestion: Add sentence frames like “How much is…?” “Could you please…?”
S2 Reading (Nyungwe text)
Task: Jigsaw reading in groups of four.
Observer notes: Were roles clear (leader, time-keeper, writer, reporter)? Suggestion: Use a timer and rotate roles to include all learners.
S3 Writing (Email to a friend)
Task: Write and peer review.
Observer notes: Did students use a checklist (greeting, body, ending)? Suggestion: Add “two stars and a wish” for peer feedback.
Rural school with weak internet
Use printed short texts, teacher phone audio, and chalkboard games.
Observer notes: Did the teacher model the task with one student first? Suggestion: Model once; then group work.
Tools and Resources (Helpful Links)
Use these to deepen your practice and to connect the topic with your existing posts.
Internal links (Teach Smart Africa)
- Best Ways to Help Students Prepare for Exams: Tips you can observe during revision lessons: https://www.teachsmartafrica.com/2025/06/best-ways-to-help-students-prepare-for.html
- How Quality Indicators Affect Teaching and Learning? Turn these indicators into your observation checklist: https://www.teachsmartafrica.com/2025/06/how-quality-indicators-affect-teaching.html
- What Are Indicators of Quality Education? Align peer feedback with these simple quality signs: https://www.teachsmartafrica.com/2025/06/what-are-indicators-of-quality-education.html
- The Role of Protestantism in Education: Values that support a respectful feedback culture:
- https://www.teachsmartafrica.com/2025/06/the-role-of-protestantism-in-education.html
- National Making Life Beautiful Day: Use this as a theme for class service projects you can observe and reflect on: https://www.teachsmartafrica.com/2025/06/national-making-life-beautiful-day.html
External links (free and practical)
- TeachingEnglish (British Council): Classroom ideas and CPD pathways: https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/
- Cambridge English – Teaching: Resources for classroom practice and assessment: https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english/
- NESA Rwanda: Curriculum and assessments context: https://www.nesa.gov.rw
- Kolibri (offline learning): Useful where internet is weak: https://learningequality.org/kolibri/
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Peer observation should feel safe, short, and useful.
Judgment instead of growth
Do not “score” your colleague. Use kind words and one clear next step.
Too long and too rare
Short, regular visits beat long, rare ones. Aim for 10–20 minutes each month.
No follow-up
Always try the suggestion and check again. Small cycles create real change.
Sample One-Page Checklist (Copy or Adapt)
- Objective on board? Yes / No
- Student talk time high? Yes / No
- Active task? Role play / Pair work / Group task
- Inclusion? Mixed groups, sentence starters used
- Quick check? Exit ticket / Mini-quiz / Show of hands
- Two stars: 1) ______ 2) ______
- One wish: ______
Conclusion
Peer observation is powerful because it is simple and human. Teachers choose one small focus, watch with respect, and share friendly feedback. In Rwanda, this fits CBC, PLCs, and our culture of working together. Start this month. Keep it short. Keep it kind. Celebrate each small win. Your English lessons will grow stronger, and your learners will speak, read, and write with more confidence.
Summary (Put on your noticeboard)
- One focus.
- 10–20 minute visit.
- Two praises, one suggestion.
- Try again next week.
Posts
.png)
){kind=link}
0 Comments