Classroom observation

Instructional Activities to be observed include but may not be limited to…..

• Classroom instruction• Laboratory and clinical instruction• Online, Counselor, Librarian: separate sessions

Refer to p. 7 in MOU

Objectives:

1. Identify the behaviors that characterize the elements of effective teaching

2. Complete a classroom observation using the faculty observation form

3. Conduct a post observation meeting, using a summary report

4. Deliver constructive criticism in an appropriate manner

Classroom Observations…

• Contribute to personal and professional growth of both the observer and observed

• Foster collegiality• Encourage us to share ideas• Identify projects that can be used in our Faculty Performance

Evaluations (improving teaching effectiveness, assessment projects, etc.)

• Create excitement around teaching

Observation Schedule

• May Include:o Classroom Observations (Schedule depends on rank)o Element of Teaching (Schedule depends on rank)• Yearly written feedback from a peer on syllabus,

assignment, assessment, classroom policies and practices, teaching techniques

• Refer to MOU – Page 7 and 8

Documenting Plan

• Faculty members [being observed] will offer their evaluators at least 3 different class periods from which the evaluator can choose to come and observe.

• This should be outlined on the FPE form in the fall.

• Refer to p. 7 in MOU

Before the Observation

• Contact the faculty to determine areas of concentrationo Access to form

• Ask about assigned seating in the class• Establish if you want to be introduced• Talk about the normal classroom etiquette• Ask if the course instructor have special expectations for the

class that you should know about• Discuss impact of observer on group dynamics• Discuss impact of observer on instructor

During the Observation

• Consider the following:o Observer Etiquetteo Participation in group activities ( from instructor)o Observing onlyo Sit in back, if possibleo Be specific when possible with examples or suggestions

with notes on worksheet along with constructive comments.

Reporting Process

• After the observationo Create a summary report• Length of time to create summary ~ 1hour

o Arrange for Post observation meeting: F2F or electronically• Within 2 weeks of observation

Elements of Effective Teaching• Classroom interaction• Learning styles• Classroom

management

• Physical• Climate• Instruction

Using the form

• Can’t observe everything• Focus on pre-determined area, if applicable• If none stated, then pick 2 or 3 from each category

Using the form

Create a map of the classroomIndicate location of:

o Instructoro Observero Whiteboard/blackboardo Technology station

Note seating arrangementNote M/F orientation

Using the form

• Set length of time for you to focus on an element.

Ex: 10:05-10:15, observe where eye contact seems focused Or…..Count number of times student names are usedOr….Count number of times open ended questions are asked

Using the form

Lump and clump when possible • Ex: Pans room and Establishes direct eye contact• Uses positive body language /smiles and Uses humor as

appropriate• Asks open ended questions and Uses appropriate wait time

Using the form

• Note techniques that worked well • Make suggestions to try new techniques• Be as specific as possible• Focus on content as well as delivery

Using the form

• Observe students reactions• Are they engaged• Or are they sleeping, surfing the web, doing homework for

another course, disruptive to others• Remain objective and receptive to teaching strategies and

techniques that may be different from yours

Creating a summary report

• Plan for ~1 hour to create report• Use notes from worksheet• Lead with strengths• For areas that need improvement, be as specific as possible • Be direct• Be as objective as possible• Appreciate different delivery techniques

Leading the post-observation meeting

• Plan for ~1 hour to meet with peer• Have a copy of the summary report for each of you • Start with statement recognizing snap shot of teaching,

impact of observer on class dynamics, impact of where observer sat

• Ask how the instructor thought the class went• Review each section of the report togeteh

Post observation

• Reflect on what you as an observer have learned from this experience

• How will your teaching change as a result of this experience?

Q: What to do if you have concerns post observation or post observation meeting?

A: Contact your Associate Dean of Faculty Evaluation and Hiring

Q: Are there additional responsibilities if I observe an adjunct faculty member?

A: There are a few easy responsibilities.• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism and

respect• Meet with them for a post observation in a timely

manner. • Refer adjunct faculty to CTE trainings as appropriate. • Inform CTE of trends in professional development

needs among adjuncts so that CTE may develop appropriate training sessions.

• Provide an end of semester findings report to the Director of CTE

• Connect adjuncts with other faculty and/or institutional resources

Learning Summary

• Identify the behaviors that characterize the elements of effective teaching

• Complete a classroom observation using the faculty observation form

• Conduct a post observation meeting, using a summary report• Deliver constructive criticism in an appropriate manner

Questions?