Lesson observations and learning walks are designed to support teacher growth and improve student outcomes, but for many teachers, the process can feel more like evaluation than development. Feedback is often well-intended but can sometimes be too vague, lacking the practical steps needed for meaningful improvement.
Comments like "I’d like to see more student collaboration" or "Try incorporating more assessment for learning strategies" may highlight areas for growth, but without clear examples, guidance, or follow-up support, teachers are left unsure of how to apply these suggestions effectively. This is especially challenging in international schools, where teachers come from different training backgrounds and may have varied interpretations of what effective teaching looks like.
So, how do we shift from monitoring teaching to developing teaching? Instructional coaching is one of the most effective ways to bridge the gap between feedback and action, ensuring that teachers feel supported in translating advice into real classroom improvements.
Creating Transparent, Actionable Feedback
One of the key frustrations teachers express about traditional observations is not knowing where they stand. They may be told that their lesson was great, but then receive a score or developmental area that suggests otherwise. Clarity is key—if feedback is not transparent, teachers won’t know what needs improvement or how to approach it.
Instructional coaching shifts the focus from judgment to growth, ensuring that feedback is:
Clear and specific—instead of saying, “Try more AFL strategies,” an instructional coach would guide teachers in choosing a strategy suited to their subject and students, model it in action, and support them in implementing it effectively.
Goal-oriented—teachers work towards SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) targets, rather than generalised feedback with no clear action plan.
Ongoing—rather than a one-time observation, teachers receive continuous support and check-ins to ensure growth feels manageable.
Instructional Coaching vs. Traditional Observations
Traditional lesson observations focus on evaluating a teacher’s performance at a single moment in time. While useful, they don’t always provide the necessary follow-up to ensure that teachers understand how to develop in the areas identified.
Instructional coaching, on the other hand, is about partnership and active development. Instead of just offering suggestions, instructional coaches work alongside teachers to implement strategies, team-teach where necessary, and provide real-time feedback. This makes professional development feel collaborative rather than directive, reducing anxiety and increasing confidence.
Strategic Peer Observations for Targeted Growth
Another powerful strategy alongside instructional coaching is peer observations with a clear focus. While informal peer observations are common, they are often unstructured. A more strategic approach can make a significant impact by:
Pairing teachers based on strengths and areas of development, rather than just random pairings.
Providing an active listening sheet, so teachers record specific strategies they observe and reflect on how they could apply them in their own teaching.
Encouraging post-observation discussions, where teachers share insights and support each other’s development.
This approach shifts peer observations from passive observation to active professional learning, making it a valuable tool for teachers to see best practices in action and apply them to their own classrooms.
The Power of ‘Show Me, Don’t Just Tell Me’ Coaching
One of the biggest gaps in traditional professional development is that it tells teachers what to do, but doesn’t show them how to do it. Instructional coaching changes this by introducing a modelling approach.
If a teacher is struggling with differentiation, an instructional coach doesn’t just give a list of strategies, they demonstrate them in a real lesson, co-teach where needed, and provide real-time guidance.
This hands-on approach makes new techniques less intimidating and easier to apply, giving teachers the confidence to adapt and refine their teaching with direct support.
Regular Feedback and Recognising Progress
Growth takes time, and when teachers feel like feedback is only about pointing out weaknesses, it can be demotivating. Instructional coaching ensures that feedback is continuous, balanced, and supportive.
Instead of a one-time observation followed by an email with a score, instructional coaching provides:
Frequent check-ins to see what’s working and where adjustments are needed.
Recognition of even small progress, because improvement happens in stages, not all at once.
Encouragement and reassurance, creating an environment where teachers feel safe to experiment with new strategies.
This approach builds confidence, motivation, and a stronger professional learning culture within the school.
Empowering Teachers Through Instructional Coaching
If we want teachers to continuously grow and refine their practice, they need more than just evaluations, they need guidance, modelling, and structured support. Instructional coaching transforms observations from a one-time assessment into an ongoing partnership, where teachers feel empowered rather than judged.
By making feedback clear and actionable, introducing peer learning opportunities, providing hands-on coaching, and ensuring regular follow-ups, we can create an environment where teachers don’t just meet expectations, they exceed them.
When schools prioritise development over monitoring, teacher wellbeing improves, confidence grows, and,
most importantly—students benefit from higher-quality teaching.
What has been your experience with lesson observations and professional development?
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