The most distinguishing characteristic of these excellent teachers is that their practice is the result of careful reflection. . . They themselves learn lessons every time they teach, evaluating what they do and using these self-critical evaluations to adapt what they do next time. (Why colleges succeed, Ofsted 2004, para. 19) Introducing classroom observation During my first Middle Management meeting I felt a feeling of dread when I heard the word 'observation'. Overall, there was nervousness in the atmosphere and I immediately had a feeling of uselessness as I looked around the room at the more experienced teachers. Unfortunately, the word “observation” encourages myself to remember past stress and bad experiences and generally creates an image of “inspectors, notes, checklists and fear of being judged unfairly” Smith, R 2006. From experience, teachers do not like being observed with the possibility of being scrutinized by another person and experience a feeling of anxiety in relation to the observations. It is believed that an observation not carried out correctly leads the teacher to focus on the performance rather than the learning of the pupils. I believe that the Lesson Observations conducted in my career have been involved in a short-term tick box system rather than having a focus on long-term improvement. Observations should be used more effectively as “classroom observation has a role in evaluating and monitoring teachers that is separate from inspections and performance management requirements.” NUT 2004Fortunately, most teachers I have spoken to understand the importance of an observation and it is easy to forget that the real purpose of a lesson observation is not to end up... halfway down the paper... chers (2004 ), Classroom observation: a guide for school representatives.OFSTED, (2004) Why colleges Succeed.O'Leary, Matt (2014) Classroom observation: a guide to effectively observing teaching and learning, Routledge , Oxon.Pollard , Andrew (2014) Readings for reflective teaching in schools, 2nd edition, Bloomsbury, London.P'Rayan, A (2013). Peer Observation of Teaching: A Tool for Professional Development.Roberson, B. (2008) Peer Observation and Evaluation of Teaching, University of TexasSkills For Life (2005) Leading, Learning and SkillsSmith, R. (2006) Getting the best of classroom observation, Secondary Headship.Tweedle, C. (2012) The role of classroom observation in raising standards. London: DFESWeadick, A. (2013) Implementing peer observation of teaching. Dublin.Wragg, E.C. (1996), An Introduction to Classroom Observation, London.