Observation of educational practices as elements of evaluation and improvement of quality in the initial and continuous training of teachers

Abstract

The observation of school educational practices has been very important as an evaluation of the education system. While until recently its use was reduced to the assessment of students, currently, and as a result of successive educational reforms, its usefulness has also been recognized both in initial teacher training and in continuing education for practicing teachers. In the experience that follows, applied outside of the context of practices carried out by students, the systematic observation has been used as a technique for collecting and analyzing data about teaching and learning process that takes place in real contexts. The collaboration of student teachers and expert teachers' practice centers has been considered essential to the development process. Once student’s master grade / early childhood education at the university acquired the knowledge about -the use of systematic observation technique, they should be able, in their external practices, to use systematic observation as a working method applied to the classroom. Its basic use is focused on the evaluation process, not only to assess the behaviors and attitudes of students, but also to be used as an assessment tool to improve global thinking. The purpose of their use should be aimed at improving both the teaching and learning process in general which includes the analysis and evaluation of educational programs, and practice teaching.

Keywords

• prácticas educativas escolares
• formación de profesorado
• evaluación formativa
• evaluación sumativa
• observación sistemática
• competencias
• investigación educativa