Would there be any real advantages in me abandoning my paper-based/excel observation procedure?
Paper Based Observation Forms
Disadvantages
Completed Observation Forms are filed away, they are not readily available, nor easily shared, they are easily lost and not always to hand to be reviewed at next observation.
If more than one printed copy is produced they can get out of ‘sync’.
Quality auditing takes longer as Observation Forms are in a file.
If Ofsted criteria changes forms need to be reprinted.
Cost of paper, ink cartridges staff time etc due to the need to supply paper forms to staff involved.
Advantages of using a web based electronic Observation Form – e-observations
Saved electronically, readily available 24/7.
Shared controlled resource, different access levels for different staff members.
Available for viewing at next observation, updating action plans, appraisals, performance management .
Save time when quality auditing as not searching through files.
Criteria fully customisable by you for every section of the Observation form.
2.Excel Spreadsheet for collecting data and analysing results
Disadvantages
Time consuming – criteria grades from each observation need to be manually entered into spreadsheet.
Human error in entering grades.
Difficulty in producing timely management reports.
Advantages of using a electronic system whereby grades entered on the Observation
Form by observers automatically update tutors’ records and feed into reports
Saves time – reduces the need for double entry
Eliminates human error
Timely management reports are available at the click of a button.
3. Separate database for maintaining and tracking action points
Disadvantages
Time consuming – have to be copied from Observation Form and to keep in ‘sync’ with updates of completion dates the Observation Form and the database need to updated.
Not always easy to see what action points are overdue therefore not an effective method of ensuring timely compliance.
Cannot see at a glance the support and training given to individual staff to increase their capacity to improve their teaching practices further.
Advantages of using an electronic Observation System
Action points with dates can be automatically logged and coloured icons used to indicate action points completed and overdue.
Monitoring of timely completions is made easy.
An effective logging method makes it very easy to demonstrate to Ofsted and other external agencies what actions are being taken to improve standards.
