Walsall College staff share Unseen Observation project insights

Academic staff at Walsall College have shared their perspectives on an innovative self-assessment project in a series of blogposts with FE News.  Since November 2023, 18 staff have been involved in ‘Unseen observation’ which utilises ‘collaborative professional learning’ and ‘collegial conversations and collective reflection’ to enhance teaching quality.

The two-year project is led by Professor Matt O’Leary, Professor of Education at Birmingham City University who devised the unseen observation model.

In his introductory blog, he describes Unseen Observation as ‘a process-driven practice that prioritises deep, meaningful thinking about teaching and learning through collegial conversations and collective reflection’.  He talks of how Walsall College practitioners have demonstrated how this ‘placed the emphasis on supporting and developing teaching staff rather than sorting and measuring them’.

The blogposts are as follows:

Empowering Practitioners’ Professional Learning Through Unseen Observation

Professor Matt O’Leary

Unseen Observation: A Journey from Traditional to Trust-Based Learning

David Turner, Assistant Principal, Quality and Student Experience and Sarah Cattell, Workforce Development and Innovation Manager

Unseen Observation : Reflection and Empowerment

Louise Elsby, Lecturer in law and Quality Development Coach and Kelly Bunce, Lecturer in Travel & Tourism and Quality Development Coach

Changing The Way We Think and Work Through Unseen Observation

Claire Curry, Functional Skills English and maths Coordinator and Coach

Unseen Observation: Fostering an Environment for Critical Reflection

Mozz Baker, Lecturer in Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare

David Turner said: “The power of this innovative approach cannot be overstated in terms of its potential to transform and improve teaching practice through meaningful reflection and professional collaboration.

At first glance ‘unseen’ can appear counter intuitive however the approach, through two successful pilots, has converted some of our most sceptical teachers and managers.

Elevating the professional status of our teachers, mapping practice against the Education and Training Foundation professional standards creates trust and agency. The ultimate beneficiaries of this are, of course, our students and apprentices.

With the project now in its second year, a new cohort of Walsall College staff are undertaking their cycles of unseen observation supported by those who participated in the Year 1 pilot.