INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP

LISTENING AND SUGGESTING

In the course of my role as an instructional leader, I have come to realize the importance of listening before giving suggestions. In any classroom observation, we cannot disregard the need for a pre-observation conference. During this time, listening is very important to level expectations; however, I find listening as important during the post-evaluation conference.

Before making any comment (which as much as possible is constructive) listen first to what the teacher being observed has to say about the classroom engagement that has just taken place. Let him talk freely, and redirect him as to how he could have improved much better his performance and consequently, the students' reactions.

Teachers appreciate a principal who suggests ways on how the lesson may be improved next time. This must be done, though, after listening how the teacher himself assesses his performance based primarily on the students' reaction and understanding of the concepts and acquisition of the skills targeted for that particular lesson.