For a Hermeneutic Phenomenological Approach to Teacher Observation

The present paper describes an alternative mode of doing teacher observation meant to overcome the limitations of the common approach in use today. To this end, the paper first draws upon the hermeneutic theory of perception developed by Graeme Nicholson and establishes the fundamental principle that ought to govern didactic observation and the conditions of possibility of this endeavor. Subsequently, taking Lester Embree’s description of phenomenological observation as model, the paper describes the basic rules to be followed. The paper ends with a series of logistic recommendations designed to increase the pedagogical gains of the process.