"sitting in on classes" as translation for German term 'Hospitation'?

[Torsten]

Hi,

What would be a good English equivalent to the German term "Hospitation"? It's the process of sitting in on classes at a school or education institute. For example, a mentor might want to observe how a teacher student is performing. Is there a better expression than "sitting in on classes" for that? Maybe something like "lesson observation"?

Many thanks,
Torsten
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[Molly]

In a school context, "sitting in on" seems fine: in a work context "shadowing" is used. Are you not happy with "sitting in on"? How about "observing"? Or is that too much like "being monitored"?

[Ralf]

Hi Torsten,

Sitting in on classes is fine. Teacher observation works as well, unless you want to find out about the behaviour of students. In this case, participant observation is what you're looking for.

I've never heard the term lesson observation, but it seems quite possible.
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[Molly]

[Torsten]

Hi Molly and Ralf,

Many thanks for your quick responses. Google says there is the term "lesson observation record" so I guess this is the equivalent to "Hospitationsprotokoll" which means, so "lesson observation" might be even better than "teacher observation". What do you think?
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[Molly]

Again, what's wrong with "sitting in on"?

[Torsten]

"Sitting in on" is probably fine if it stands alone. However, "sitting in protocol" or "sitting in record" might not be the best choice.
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[Ralf]

Hi Torsten,

Yes, you could use "lesson observation" if you're after a noun. As I said, "sitting in on classes" is fine, and "participant observation" should be used in case you want to analyse student behaviour.
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[Molly]

[Molly]

An observation:

I think this "Teacher observation works as well, unless you want to find out about the behaviour of students. In this case, participant observation is what you're looking for." might be clearer as "Teacher observation works as well, unless you wanted to find out about the behaviour of students. In that case, participant observation would be what you're looking for."

The final sentence here "Teacher observation works as well, unless you want to find out about the behaviour of students. In this case, participant observation is what you're looking for." sounds like you've returned to talk about Torsten's specific need. It sounds like you're saying "Sitting in on classes is fine, but in this case, participant observation is what you're looking for."