Is classroom observation mandatory for teachers?

Classroom observation is no longer a new activity for teachers; however, the regulations and circulars related to this issue have changed considerably compared to the past.

According to the new regulations, teachers are not required to observe lessons. Furthermore, there is no document specifying how many lessons each teacher must observe or is allowed to observe; this depends on the regulations of each school.

The mandatory classroom observation requirement has been removed.

According to Circular 32/2020, effective from November 1, 2020, secondary and high school teachers are no longer required to observe classes or visit classrooms as before. The circular also stipulates that the educational activity management record system includes:

• Teacher's educational plan (by school year);
• Lesson plan;
• Student tracking and evaluation logbook;
• Homeroom teacher's logbook (for teachers who are homeroom teachers).

Unlike previous regulations, teachers are no longer required to keep a "class observation logbook," and class observation activities are now only conducted with the homeroom teacher.

Eliminating classroom observation aims to reduce pressure on teachers. (Illustrative image)

Clause 2 of Article 29 of this Circular also clearly states that homeroom teachers "are allowed to attend lessons and other educational activities of students in the class they are in charge of." This means that homeroom teachers at all three levels of education have the right to participate in observing lessons in the class they are in charge of.

In general, classroom observation is no longer a mandatory educational activity for secondary and high school teachers. This activity is only implemented at the primary school level.

There is no mandatory number of observation lessons.

The 2019 Education Law and many related current documents do not contain specific regulations on classroom observation activities. Previously, classroom observation was regulated in point a, clause 2, Article 7 of Circular 12/2009 (which is no longer in effect). Specifically, each school year, schools effectively implemented classroom observation, teaching demonstrations, and teacher excellence competitions at all levels.

School leaders (principal, vice-principal) are required to attend at least one lesson per teacher; heads and deputy heads of departments are required to attend at least four lessons per teacher within their department; each teacher must deliver at least two lessons incorporating information technology, participate in four demonstration lessons or teaching workshops organized by the school, and observe 18 lessons taught by colleagues within or outside the school.

However, Circular 12 was replaced by Circular 42/2012, and in 2018 it was further replaced by Circular 18/2018. Neither of these circulars contains regulations regarding teachers' classroom observation activities.

Based on the above, we can see that there are no longer specific regulations regarding classroom observation activities for teachers, and the number of observation hours will be decided by each school.

Anh Anh

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/giao-vien-co-bat-buoc-du-gio-ar929907.html