The Use of Systematic Classroom Observation to Evaluate Professional Development Needs in Qatar Independent Schools

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  In Roundtable Session: Classroom Management in Different Countries, Subject Areas, and Venues

Abstract

Researchers from a large U.S. university were asked to conduct a needs assessment of the current state of Qatar professional development. As part of the assessment, researchers visited 29 Qatar Independent Schools, during which time they conducted 156 classroom walk-throughs. The purpose of the paper is to describe findings from the observational component of the needs assessment, as well as to provide a snapshot of Qatar classrooms, including a description of instructional setting, type of instruction, teachers’ instructional behaviors and student behavior. Findings revealed that Qatar Independent Schools would benefit from PD in the areas of integrating technology in an interactive manner, providing learning-centered instruction, encouraging active student participation, and creating environments that foster critical thinking in their students.

Authors

• Beverly L. Alford, The University of Mississippi

• Kayla Braziel Rollins, Texas A&M University

• Danielle Bairrington Brown, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Hersh C. Waxman, Texas A&M University

• Jacqueline R. Stillisano, Texas A&M University - College Station