Babli Jose, Kuwait
Observation is good if it is done for the betterment of the teacher. For me its a motivation to do better

Khin Sam Ann, Cambodia
Well, to my viewpoint, observing is a good way to evaluate the teacher's performance in the real practice. But why don't the observers pretend to be one of the students? I think that this can make the trainees feel convenient to teach.

Andrew Mallory
The only productive observation I have been involved in (since I did my TESOL dip) was peer observation where the feedback was entirely private between the observer and observed. It's the only way to see real lessons and real teacher behaviour. Of course, there needs to be ample time to discuss feedback on an equal basis.

The more often observation is done the more relaxed everyone feels and the more fruitful it becomes. It also takes several follow-up observations to evaluate progress if any impact is to be made on a teacher's behaviour.

Sadly, given that ELT managers are frequently not the best teachers, leaving this vital role to them can be counter-productive. In my opinion, schools need an experienced and capable teacher who is not part of the chain of command to take on this role.

Abdelali, Algeria
I like so. Even I've been observed by American Experts in my country. It was really fruitful after each debate and reflection on what I did.

Mustafa Uysal,Turkey
If the observation is constructive rather then destructive, then it's good to have one. I believe in general, the teaching activity involves lots of bias which devastates learners desire for learning...

Faith , Hong Kong
Being watched makes me very nervous. But if it is some constructive comments, I would like very much to learn from it. But I still believe that grace is better than punishment for better learning development both to the teachers and the students.

Moh. Shady, Egypt
I'm a supervisor of English. I need more tools to help teachers promote their performance.

Rajesh Vasudevan , Thailand
Observing is not walking into a lecture hall with a scribbling pad and pencil, carrying a lot of weight around you. Observing, like other skills of language has to be trained and acquired. I, personally, am not against this teacher enhancement programme, as long as it benefits both the observer and the observed. This is a two way process; by observing another person(from your own department and line of teaching)we learn new techniques, skills and are able to upgrade our own methods. We also learn how not to teach. By being observed you are given a mirror to find your flaws and shortcomings. We assume we know a lot and what we deliver is just adequate. But if we are scanned or rather we go for an introspection, which rarely happens, we get a better picture of our professional commitment, personal attributes, attitudes etc. All these are essential prerequisites for a good teacher and to be a good teacher. As long as this whole process is handled by professionals in the field of education and not by any other members of the staff, there is nothing wrong in getting an X-ray of our progress.

Abdelaziz, Morocco
well,frankly speaking I don't like being observed especially if I know the observer. I will not surely behave in a natural way as I will always take into account their presence.

Maria, Argentina
I think that being observed is usually useful for the teacher who goes to your classroom to see you because she/he can get new ideas, teaching techniques and classroom management tips. Besides, it's good to listen to what other people think about your development. It helps you to improve.

Priyanka Sharma, India
Observation is very necessary for the evaluation of teacher's teaching. We get the feedback & where there is any requirement for improvement. It could be done easily through the feedback.

Maja, Serbia
I really don't mind being observed by someone qualified and experienced in EFL. Comments do open my eyes sometimes and sharing is perfectly normal! BUT I do mind when someone who is not from my (teaching) line of work comes to my class (e.g. school pedagogue) and tells me what I should have done!

Nguyen Song Quang, Vietnam
Being observed brings me many diversified ideas, not only for but against. I learn a lot from it. I must say that, after each time getting my colleagues' ideas, my teaching seems better and better.

Jack H
Observation is a very positive thing to improve classroom techniques if it's conducted in a professional manner. When I was a new teacher, I felt very nervous to be watched. But I found out there are more advantages for me after 5 or 6 years of teaching. Any experienced teachers may ignore their weakness, and feel more confident and comfortable in a certain they prefer. An observer looks at the classroom interaction from another angle, which will inspire many teachers to gain more valuable tips. On the other hand, if the observer is not professional enough to rate and assess a teacher, it could be a worse experience for a dedicated teacher.

Garf, England
I'd only ever had very positive feedback until my last observation. I got a score of 3 (satisfactory) but I was really upset and still am. The score was subjective and I have no real complaints about that. What I strongly object to, were the criticisms which were factually inaccurate. "Too tutor led." (75% of the lesson consisted of pair work and role play) The observer didn't witness the whole lesson.My main complaint is that there is no means of address. She obviously hadn't read the lesson plan.

Cristina, Portugal
As a former teacher trainer, I find classroom observation very powerful in terms of improving one's teaching. I'm totally for it and I feel I've learned a lot from it.

Frederick, China
I think observation promotes and make room for improvement of teachers as the observer may point out some mistakes made and corrections made. The observer may give some ideas on the topic being taught though it makes teachers nervous.

Afroza Begum Rosy
Being observed not only helps oneself to be conscious about himself but also allows him to give value to other's opinion. So I don't mind being observed because it helps me to modify myself.

Seval, Turkey
I like being observed cause it help me to evaluate myself as a teacher and gives opportunity to make my minus a plus.

Heidi Riggenbach, Switzerland
Observation of other teachers was a requirement during my CELTA training. I learned a lot and was actually quite inspired by them and my teacher trainers... Now, not that much further down the road, I have been observed by supervisors and future employers and even though this makes me a bit nervous I know I can only profit from their feedback. I may not totally agree with them but that's o.k. isn't it? Not only that, if feedback is given in a positive and helpful manner it will enable a teacher to improve...

Payal Dhall Khatri, India
If you are true to yourself there is no harm being observed by anyone. Feedback on observation should be taken as positive and as a scope for further improvement.

Aleksandra Milosevic, Serbia
I don't mind being observed. Sometimes it is useful to see how the others feel about what you do while teaching students. What I do need is a feedback, not just a mere criticism.

Luis Francisco Melendez Ruiz
Observation is an important issue in teacher's development. When we are not observed and told how we perform during our class session we can believe that we are doing very well, however it might not be so. The opinions of peers or supervisors is highly important, but they need to be trained in objective observation .

Dinka, Bosnia and Hercegovina
There is no such animal here in our school as most teachers think it is like sneaking into their private life.

Jamie
No one enjoys being scrutinized. It makes people feel small and hurts their self-esteem particularly if the lesson doesn't go well. But having said that, lesson observation is necessary because it is a process for improvement and reflection.

Tracey, Czech Republic
It's like going to the dentist. Beforehand I'm very nervous and can't stop worrying about the observation. The lesson doesn't go as well as planned and I'm expecting a bad feedback. However when it's all over I'm pleasantly surprised that my observer has really enjoyed the lesson and adds her comments to enhance my performance. I find this feedback invaluable and I feel really confident to improve my role as a successful teacher.

Ana Maria Mari, Buenos Aires , Argentina
I think it is necessary as a kind of feedback for the teacher. When I did a course on Methodology at International House Argentina, I used to be observed by natives, and at first I felt nervous, but then felt great getting so much feedback from a native to a non-native. I dare say that's good, so If I were observed now, I wouldn't really care much, and enjoy it.

Irina Milanova, Bulgaria
Being observed is a wonderful way to see how you coped with the matter, what you missed or what could be better taught. Of course it depends on who you are observed by. If the observer is a qualified colleague, you could learn a lot about your own work.

Gemma, Italy
I can't say I like being observed but I must admit that it makes me think about my lessons a lot more. I like to know when it's going to take place because I'm quite shy. Just to answer to Rosy's question...yes...other professionals ARE often observed..by their peers but mainly by their supervisors.

Helen, UK
Observing and being observed is an excellent way to periodically review your teaching. Avoid trying to please the observer, that is NOT the issue. If you have any worries about a specific area of your teaching ask the observer to pay more attention to this area to make the observation more relevant and useful. If you in turn can observe colleagues this relieves pressure and the feeling that you are being judged. Peer observation is an invaluable method of ongoing teacher development and performed constructively is guaranteed to help all involved.

Ioanna, Greece
Although I haven't experienced that yet I dont't think I would feel very comfortable with the issue. Not because I don't feel confident about myself but due to the fact that having another person in the class observing my work would make me feel anxious (thus not letting me give 100% of my concentration to the lesson) and distract the students as well.

Valsa Balaji, India
Observation of classes is an incentive to do our best under the scrutinizing eyes of those who are there to guide us and make us more confident of our teaching.

Rosy, Spain
Why teachers should be observed? Are other professionals observed when doing their jobs? As someone mentioned before, the few times I was observed I wasn't myself - I tried to please the observer so hard that I screwed it up big time!!

Jan Suttle, Finland
I remember during teacher training there was always someone at the back of the class. I found the feedback helpful also watching other teachers is a great way to learn.

Anand, India
I feel elevated if at all some one being a critic or motivator sees my class. One should always teach as if some one is watching you doing your job. Honestly, that kind of approach will bring confidence inside for ever and we become a successful teacher.

Jacqueline, Greece
I am a supervisor and I observe lessons frequently. Before I go into the classroom I have a meeting with the teacher to be observed and I let them know what I will be observing for example time management, student participation, teacher- student rapport. This I think help the teacher plan his lesson. When the observation is over we then have another session and we discuss both negative and positive parts of the lesson. I always start the second session asking the teacher what they thought of their lesson and our opinions are usually the same. Then we talk about what could be done to correct any weaknesses and then teacher is given written feed back. If there were any weak points the teacher then has another observation in which they usually do much better. Most of the teachers that I co-ordinate welcome observations and see them positively and consider it to be a chance to develop as a teacher.

Romeo A. Rosales-Iloilo City, Philippines
Seldom in my school we are observe by our supervisor. However, I believe that being a teacher is just right and proper for you to be observed in order to improve your craft. You know it's fun to be observed, more so that if someone is observing you, he or she might have found something that she or he could add to make your teaching better and fun.

Romeo A, Philippines
Seldom in my school we are observe by our supervisor, however, I believe that being a teacher is just right and proper for you to be observed in order to improve your craft. You know it's fun to be observed, more so that if someone is observing you he or she might have found something that she or he could add to make your teaching better and fun.

Jamal ud Din Chitral, Pakistan
Observation is a very useful thing for the evaluation of teachers and it improves teaching. But it should not be only a threat or criticism. We need to think positive while observing our colleague or subordinates.

Mustafa, Türkiye
I believe that teacher observation is an important dimension of professional development. It surely improves ones teaching skills if you get proper feedback. If you consider it as a peer feedback, your colleague might provide some feedback on what went well in the session and where there may be room for improvements, including in any areas where you specifically requested feedback, similarly it is very beneficial in pre-service education. By this way teacher candidates might prepare themselves for their future profession.

Tran Tam
Observation is really useful if we do it in a right way. If there is someone observing your teaching, you need to prepare a long time, you must think over about words to use and so on. That is you are making progress. Observation is really necessary.

Ursula Huancas, Peru
Depending on the aim and the kind of observer, it could be stressful. In my country sometimes the person in charge of the observations doesn't know English at all, so imagine the results. Personally, Peer observation helps both the observer and the one being observed if the goal is to learn and improve your teaching.

Igor, Ukraine
When I am being observed, I never teach the way I normally do. I teach the way the observer expects me to. I think the same can be said about most teachers. Observations are for the naive, the beginners, and the laymen.

Partha Sarathi Banik, India
If you feel that being observed is like being tied to the hot seat, you will surely be on your toes and enrich yourself for more effective teaching. However the watchful eyes of the "big brother" may not always be welcome.

Megan Thoresson, UK
I would welcome observation that was truly supportive and interested in helping me improve my practice. Unfortunately it is all too often about the observer ticking boxes. In the organisation I work for ( a bureaucratic FE college), we are given a 2 week window in which we can be observed at any time. (This is to simulate the stress that we can expect should there be an external observation) It puts teachers under huge amounts of pressure. If the culture of observations could be supportive it would make all the difference, and I believe staff would feel more confident and motivated, and able to cope well with external observation procedures.

Iraj Shahmalaki, Iran
Teacher observation is one of process in clinical supervision that teacher and supervisor have face to face. To get more information see" Techniques in clinical supervision by Acheson & Gall's book"

Marluce Vieira, Brazil
I think people feel uncomfortable when they are observed in general. The best way to face classroom observation is to think that it will bring some kind of improvement. Be as natural as possible and try to see the observer as a student.

Bernardo, Costa Rica
Criticism is the way others can contribute to enhance the creative act of teaching. Nobody is perfect. I'm 56 and I still need observers who can tell me what I have to correct or improve in my lessons.

Everaldo Reyes Galicia, Mexico City
I think it is important to receive feedback from both experience an non-experience teachers. I believe that this activity allows the observed one to contrast the image (s)he has of himself to the one he unconsciously displays when teaching. For example, maybe I think I am being nice to my students but my gestures convey a different message when a student does not come up with an expected answer. I also think it is important to listen to our peers no matter whether their comments are positive or negative. In my opinion one can learn from any person, especially from our students who, in the end, will be the ones that will judge our work. On the other hand, feedback can be a destructive one when the observer lacks the interpersonal, teaching and coaching skills to help the observed one improve his job. Observation should be a way to explore both strengths and areas of opportunity. The observer and the observed one can produce a synergy to help students achieve their goals.

Amadou, Burkina Faso
There is no problem to be observed, since is not to focus only on the teacher's weaknesses. It also promotes the positive aspects of his teaching and fosters teacher development.

Clare, Marbella, Spain
An effective teacher observation pro gramme is as much for the observer as for the observed. I voluntarily participate in a peer observation pro gramme, which fosters an environment of support and inspiration. However, having taught in the UK and been subject to a plethora of observations for various internal and external regulatory and funding purposes, I can empathise with those who find it tiresome and even de-motivating at times!

Irem Ekinci
We have been observing our colleagues and being observed by them at our university and I believe that it works and it is fun. One can make good use of these observations as long as s/he knows where and what to look at.

Saeed Ghiami, Iran
The reality that nobody is perfect is not something to be ignored. I enjoy being observed because I can see somebody sitting there trying to have a bird's view on whatever goes in my class and sharing his ideas and suggestions will be the most enjoyable thing for me to discover my weaknesses and strengths and, thus, enhance my teaching.

Veena, India
Observing a class of a colleague objectively is surely a step towards teacher development, encourage professionalism & create a situation to deal with various pedagogical issues. If an understanding is developed among the teacher of a department that the observations have nothing to do with promotion or demotion, and the objective is to understand one's way of teaching & learners' way of learning; nobody would resist being observed. A trusting & congenial environment is essential to start this practice in any school. It has worked well in my department but failed in other department since objectives were not made clear.

Renata Meints, Brazil
I believe one of the secrets for good teacher observation is not watching a class aiming at pointing the negative aspects out, but rather helping the teacher to make his/her performance better. The observer's job must be not only pointing out the flaws but the positive aspects of that teacher as well.

Nicola Perry
I have been lucky in that the people who have observed me have given both positive feedback and guidance on areas for improvement. If observation is only threatening or critical, it can be extremely demotivating.

Asghar Mohebbi, Iran
I think it is a significant step any school should take in order to evaluate its teachers and also observation is really useful for teachers and they can boost his/her self confidence.

Asghar Mohebbi
I think observing teachers by really knowledgeable teachers can be very useful.

Fatema Dias
I wholeheartedly agree with observation though I don't like being observed. I think it is a necessary evil to maintain teaching standards. I have found that feedback has always been constructive and fair.

Sridevilazaras, India
In India observation is very common. Though some teachers feel discomfort because of being observed. It is always useful to know about the way of our teaching. It improves and increases our teaching skills. We aim at imparting knowledge to the students, so we should not mind about being observed.

Mahani Abu Talib, Malaysia
In the school I'm teaching, teachers are normally observed by the administrators of the school for at least once a year. In my opinion, observation is one way of improving teachers' methodology and style of teaching when positive or negative feedbacks are given. It is good to know our strengths and weaknesses in teaching as teachers do sometimes make mistakes. Peer observation happens in my school and it tends to be helpful as teachers tend to share different teaching ideas and resources.

Mariel, Mexico
Teacher observation can be very helpful but also very scary. I have to observe teachers in my school but I feel uncomfortable doing it when I realize that they get very nervous. It provokes unexpected reactions, for example I remember once a teacher left the classroom and started crying. It was the first time I went to observe her class...and the last.

Diana Cadillo, Perú
I think class observation can help teachers to learn new styles and tips. The problem is that at work at least 90% of colleagues feel really uncomfortable and scared because class observation is sometimes a good excuse used to fire people instead helping them to improve.

Mero, Saudi Arabia
I've read about peer observation and how it is a tool for the reflective practice which help new teachers as well as experienced ones to have self professional growth. Personally, I like to invite my colleagues to attend my class and then have a discussion about some of the skills like students' interaction and kinds of questions and activities for the students involvement.

Silva Celia
I don't mind being observed, but sometimes I feel uncomfortable, when the teacher who observed, gives opinions about my work.

Mehdi Taherkhani,Iran
Being observed should not be a matter of concern for a good language teacher since a progressive teacher seeks to improve his/her pedagogical skills constantly. However, for some observers, observation means degrading and finding fault. I think a good observation means either correction or praise and sometimes both of them should be applied.

Olga Poskotinova, Ukraine
Sometimes observation may be helpful to form a healthy self-esteem.

Barbara, France
As long as I know in advance, I don't mind. Under that pressure always increases my desire to do my best and for most people it usually raises standards. Feedback or even discussion with another professional is useful. At present, I am completely on my own, but try to maintain the standards expected by OFSTED inspections in British primary schools where I taught before moving to France. You do need to feel confident about what you are doing and how you are doing it to be comfortable about your teaching to be watched.

Clement Uzo Chukwudifu, Nigeria
Teacher observation improves teaching, builds a positive self-image for the teacher. Especially, it helps young teachers to build up their personal styles of teaching. It co-ordinates the teaching of various teachers in a school and thus makes learning a sort of routine for the pupils as all teachers make some effort to improve on their teaching through the positive feedback which is normally given after each observed lesson.

Rocío Garcia Fernandez, Mexico City
I'm definitely in favour of developmental observation. Although many teachers feel naturally unease when being observed, observation is very useful to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher. It does help you develop professionally and helps to keep you active and updated. If this becomes a regular practice you will soon feel more comfortable with it and will benefit more and more. Being observed involves not only the observation of a senior teacher/trainer but also the observation of your peers.

Albertina, Portugal
I don't mind being observed by someone impartial whose main concern is to help me improve my teaching performance. Constructive criticism can be a great help!

Grace, Argentina
I find teacher observation very useful as long as there is some kind of feedback afterwards. It has helped me to improve my classes and to be aware of things that I hadn't noticed before. Besides, I realized I didn't behave the same way when I wasn't being observed; my classes were more tense and I was sometimes impatient with students. So now I always teach as if I were being watched.

John Goodhew, United Kingdom
My school has just completed the British Council Inspection. All teachers were observed, this caused a few panic stricken moments, but overall as long as you're well prepared there should be no problem. I always value being observed as it gives you time to reflect upon sloppy teaching.

Yogesh Singla, India
I strongly favour observation. It gives you an opportunity to grow as it challenges you to deliver. Moreover the criticism which you get later helps in erecting a stronger edifice on a much stronger foundation of teaching.

Argentina, Maria Fernanda Molina
At my institution we work with observations as part of our teacher development program. It is really useful, especially for teachers who are starting their career. We always try to motivate the teachers by encouraging them to change what they do not do right and by congratulating them on what they do great. Criticism is not part of the feedback. And we always hold an appraisal meeting afterwards to comment on the observation. It works great for us!!

Filipe Ferreira, Portugal
The observation of teachers is a weak part of poor educational systems. Instead of observation, the State should provide formation and preparation that gives confidence to the teacher and leaves no way to mistakes.

Saadia Nauman, UAE
I strongly believe that peer observation is a very productive way of brining out the best in the teacher, if done objectively and in a constructive manner.

Rosalinda Verdugo
In my school, where I am the Coordinator, we schedule peer observation twice a year and none of the teachers up to now have rejected the idea. We think we can learn from the different styles of teaching and of focusing a subject, even though the books give you an idea on how to plan an activity.

Martha Canon, Colombia
I honestly find useful to be observed. I think you can improve on areas, attitudes and situations that you cannot observe while you teach. What observer needs to do is to identify the teacher's weaknesses and observe next time that area. That way the work improves and the teacher feels proud of what he does because there are other areas that are certainly well.

Irene, Indonesia
I love observing other teachers - I always learn something, even if it is negative. BUT I dislike being observed, it distracts me and I feel uncomfortable.

Martha Mendoza, Perú
Personally, I'm totally in favour of teacher observation. It is especially beneficial when you're asked to reflect on your own lesson and then given constructive feedback. Being an experienced teacher will never mean that you have already found the perfect formula to teach. What is more,looking at your teaching style through different eyes does not only enable you to think up new ideas or just remember the old ways which were also as efficient as the current ones but it also helps you to focus on areas that you might be neglecting.

Magdalena Stanczewska, Poland
There's no observation in our College and I wish it were, because we could get some feedback information on our performance.

Martin Bell, London
It all depends on who is doing the observation and for what reasons. Personally I find observing and being observed by colleagues can be extremely useful to develop and improve one's teaching. On the other hand, those of us working in the State sector in the UK have to suffer observations by Ofsted.
To judge by an increasing number of comments by other teachers in the UK , many of these observers have little or no understanding, appreciation or experience of contemporary language teaching techniques. Instead teachers are expected to adopt a 'tick-box' target-orientated style of teaching with little room for 'seizing the moment/s' when its possible to go with the flow rather than the plan. Trying to teach with observers such as these in the room is terrifying and frustrating, and as they are not allowed to give anything more than cursory feedback serves little purpose in actually improving ones teaching.

Roberta, Mexico
From the comments I see so far, it appears that many observers have not really been trained properly. Those being observed must have a clear idea of what they are being observed for and those observing must provide feedback in a constructive way. Both require explanation and training. It isn't easy to be observed because we often feel as if we are being criticized and judged; that the feedback we receive is usually negative. We all know that we need to improve. It's how we are given the information. When I observe a teacher, I look at both positive and negative aspects in the classroom. To start the feedback process, I ask the teacher what he/she thought of the lesson and why. This is less threatening and gives the teacher an opportunity for reflection. My observations are then given in a good news and room for improvement way. Usually, the teacher already knows what improvements are needed and agrees with my conclusions. From there, we make a plan on what is to be improved first and in what time frame. By doing it this way, I find there is more "buy-in" and it turns out to be a "win-win" situation.

Laura Espiña, Argentina
If it is seriously done, observation is one of the richest developing aspects of our career. Immediate feedback focusing both on positive aspects and things to be improved helps you to reflect on your work. Peer observation is very interesting too. It can help develop new ideas and strategies.

Lakshmi, India
Observation of an experienced teacher by another new one is a powerful learning tool for the new teacher and vice versa too. This must be encouraged. However, it is the observation of misunderstanding school inspectors or even heads that creates a problem - they are not looking for what is right; only for pitfalls and sometimes can go to the extent of saying that the 'teacher's handwriting on the blackboard is too big'!

Annabel, Italy
I like that we don't use it in Italy. I mean in my school, but I think it really can help teacher to understand more about
his /her way of teaching. I think we teachers are sometimes too focused on class and can't really realize what's going on among students,I mean the way they might feel. I think observation can be motivating for both teachers and students.

Jenny Perdoni, Turin, Italy
I remember being observed during the TESOL course and I found it very positive. Feedback is essential for pointing out good/bad habits. Criticism should be constructive.

Margaret Symonds,UK
I don't actually think the observer gets a true picture of a normal class, as when you are conscious you are being observed you don't behave in quite the same way as if you are alone. It's difficult to forget the observer is present. Also, you have a tendency to prepare a different type of lesson when you are observed to show what you can do! Sometimes this works well, but it can also go wrong.

Nina Koptyug, Russia
Being observed, visited etc. is part and parcel of my work. Once you achieve a certain level of professionalism, you should not mind being observed. It means sharing with others, getting some feedback. It is also very good for young teachers, provided the observer gives words of encouragement. Last but not least, it's good for your students: they feel proud when they are part of a lesson when their teacher, ergo, their own work, is an object of observation!

Sue Sessions, Germany
I don't mind being observed too much if I know the observer has an open mind and will offer help as well as criticism. However, experience shows that most observation is used negatively which is probably why most people feel uncomfortable with it. I have often invited colleagues in to participate with lessons or to observe classes where I am having some problems. In these cases I feel more involved in the process of my own development as a teacher.

Su, Taiwan
It depends. I would like to be observed if my teaching is efficient and my students enjoy the class. But I don't like to be observed when my class is in a mess.

Paul Ashe, Spain
The fear of observation is not so much the fact someone is sitting in your classroom but what they are going to say afterwards and whether your job is on the line. This conception of observations needs to change and it must be seen as a learning process instead of an assessment. If the feedback is given in a positive way then there should only be good things to be gained from observations i.e. someone telling you how to have more effective lessons in the future. This is turn should make you happier as you feel like you are a better teacher.

Jeff, Abu Dhabi, UAE
It is far more instructional to observe other teachers than be observed. Most schools have not yet realised this simple fact! In fact, being observed is like having to undergo an exam, whereas peer observation (of your colleagues) is the input stage. A lot of schools who claim to be supportive of teachers do far too much top-down observation, and do not encourage (or permit!) enough peer observation.

Paul Ashe, Spain
The fear of observation is not so much the fact someone is sitting in your classroom but what they are going to say afterwards and whether you job is on the line. This conception of observations needs to change and it must be seen as a learning process instead of an assessment. If the feedback is given in a positive way then there should only be good things to be gained from observations i.e. someone telling you how to have more effective lessons in the future this in turn should make you happier as you feel like you are a better teacher.

Maria Pap, Greece
I do enjoy being observed and observing other people because it helps big time.

Mr.Back , Korea
I don't like being observed.

Linh Pham, Vietnam
Observation itself is really a good thing to do. But the fact is that the observer always criticizes the person who is observed instead of motivating him / her to do the job better. Honestly speaking, Observation doesn't work well in Vietnam.

Zafar Iqbal, Pakistan
Observation is a kind of spell which increases my energy as it is one of the motivational resources for me to learn more and more. As I get the feedback after my observation it gives me ideas of what to do next.