Lesson Observation: Policies and Contexts

Abstract

In this chapter, I focus on presenting the economic and historical context of lesson observations. I begin with an overview of research about lesson observations from a global perspective. In setting the scene, I provide a brief summary with examples from Australasia examining the differences in surveillance and audit requirements placed upon educational sectors. Next, I discuss the historical summary of the political and social context of observations in England. I explain how issues of accountability and performativity are relevant concepts to explore in greater detail because observations have in some ways become a political tool so that education is seen as ‘responsive’ to demands from stakeholders. Pressure on individuals from these Neo-liberal policy changes including the need for education to become more accountable and policies transparent has become a contentious issue, triggering industrial disputes. These issues form the backdrop to highlighting the value of this book in exploring the UK context. It also provides insights into the complexities of individual lived experiences of observations, in terms of the harmful impact on professional identity. The reasons for the potential stress and anxiety within managerial strategies such as observations are outlined in the final section of this chapter, before summarising these contexts and drawing conclusions.