What role do peer observations play in a teacher's professional development?

Peer observations play a crucial role in a teacher's professional development by promoting structured feedback and collaboration. This method encourages educators to work together to improve their instructional practices. During peer observations, teachers can observe their colleagues in action, which allows them to identify effective teaching strategies and approaches that they might adopt or adapt in their own classrooms.

Additionally, after an observation, peers typically engage in conversations about what was observed, providing constructive feedback that can lead to enhanced teaching techniques and a more reflective practice. This collaborative environment nurtures a culture of trust and openness, where teachers can learn from one another, share resources, and collectively address challenges. Overall, peer observation fosters a supportive network that contributes to continuous professional growth and improved student outcomes.

The other choices focus on aspects that do not align with the primary purpose of peer observations as a tool for professional development. For example, the idea of formal evaluations is more aligned with administrative assessments rather than collaborative growth. Competitive rankings contradict the collaborative spirit that peer observations aim to promote, and restricting curriculum changes doesn't reflect the adaptive and innovative nature of professional development that peer collaboration encourages.