Learning Focused ObservationsBEST Leadership RoundtableFebruary 1st, 2012

So far, my experience as a mentor has/has not been like a _______________ because _____________________.

Ways that you are supporting the growth of your early career teacher…

1. Meeting regularly to engage in professional dialogue focused on the needs of the teacher.

2. Engaging the early career in at least one classroom observation. *

3. Helping the early career teacher establish a professional goal and take the steps toward accomplishing that goal through the PGP process.

Goals Learn about the effective protocols to

utilize before, during, and after classroom observations

Explore resources available for supporting your work as a mentor

Network with other mentor colleagues Engage in a question/answer session

“Information is pretty thin stuff unless it is mixed with experience.” --Clarence Day

Benefits of Learning Focused Observation… the opportunity for reflective dialogue with and

among teachers an increased focus on student achievement participation in a professional and collaborative

learning community enriched teacher efficacy improvement of classroom practices support from an "expert" (peer) who

understands the daily demands of the classroom reduced job stress a welcoming atmosphere for new teachers the comfort of knowing that someone is

available to help, explain, and assist.

Three kinds of observation Mentor teacher observes the early

career teacher to provide feedback on a specific area of focus (PGP goal)

Early career teacher observes the mentor teacher to see a specific method in action

Mentor and early career teacher observe another teacher together with an emphasis on PGP goal

At your site… What kind of observation do you

anticipate participating in with your mentee?

Before the observation: Observing another teacher

Contact the cooperating teacher well in advance Make the teacher aware of the mentee’s focus for the

observation Share the norms you will be adhering to during the

observation Send a reminder notice the day before the observation Check in at the office the day of the observation Arrive about 15 minutes before the start of class in

order to meet the teacher, find a place for your things that is out of the way, and allow a few moments for discussion before the observation. Some mentees like to take photos of the classroom during this time.

Note that anything longer than a half day observation tends to be overwhelming for everyone

Questions to focus the observation: mentee observing mentor or third party teacher…

1. As you think about your own professional goal(s), what do you most want to focus on during our upcoming observation?

2. What do you want to be the most aware of as you observe the teacher?

3. What do you want to be the most aware of as you observe the students?

4. What will you be paying attention to in the learning environment?

5. In what ways might this observation influence your student’s work?

DURING THE OBSERVATION: Norms for a learning focused observation

Leave no trace Silence is Golden Honor the Lab teacher Take notes This is not your time to teach

DURING THE OBSERVATION:Gathering Information

WhatRecord

important concepts

So WhatWhy is this

important to you? What are the

implications to your teaching?

Now What?What action steps

will you take to implement your new

thinking?

AFTER THE OBSERVATION:Logistics

If possible, leave a thank you note on the teacher’s desk as you leave signed by both of you and noting some significant learning from the observation.

Plan to de-brief the observation as soon as possible

Plan to meet in a neutral, relaxed environment if possible

Use the notes from the observation as the focal point of the de-brief

Send a brief note or email to the building principal

AFTER THE OBSERVATION:THE DE-BRIEF

1. As you think about your learning goal, what are some of the most significant take aways for you?

2. What surprised you during the observation?3. How has your thinking changed about ____?4. If you were to prioritize all that you saw

today, what strategies/methods are you most interested in making a part of your practice?

5. What action steps will you need to take in order to make that happen?

6. How can I assist you with implementing these strategies?

Questions/comments about the mentee observing the mentor or third party teacher…..

BEFORE THE OBSERVATION—Observing the MenteeLogistics

Establish that this observation is NON-EVALUATIVE and is strictly for the benefit of the teacher and his/her students

Establish a date and time that works for both mentor and mentee

Advise the mentee to let his/her students know that you will be visiting and the purpose of the visit (life long learning!)

Establish a focus for the observation: what data will be collected and why (PGP)

Share the norms that you will adhere to during the observation

BEFORE THE OBSERVATION: OBSERVING THE MENTEEQuestions to ask before the observation

How can I be of help to you?

What specifically do you wish me to look for?

What specifically do you wish me to know?

Is there a particular student you would like me to watch?

What are your objectives and expectations for the lesson?

How long would you like me to observe?

When can we get together after the lesson?

DURING THE OBSERVATION:Tips for gathering data

Some things you are doing which support student learning…

Some things to think about… (never more than 2-3)

I’m curious about…

AFTER THE OBSERVATION: OBSERVING THE MENTEEConducting the debrief

Leave a copy of your note taking/data gathering sheet in on the teacher’s desk (face down) along with a personal note of thanks or encouragement.

Debrief the observation as soon as possible

Make sure the mentee’s voice is the most prevalent in the conversation

Focus on what went well Frame all suggestions in a positive,

inviting manner

AFTER THE OBSERVATION: OBSERVING THE MENTEEQuestions for the Debrief

1. How do you think the lesson went?

2. Can you recall what the students were doing that made you feel

this way?  3. What do you remember about what you did or the

strategies you used?

4. How does this compare with what you expected would happen?

5. What could be some reasons it happened this way?

6. Would you like me to share what I observed?

At your site…

Please discuss the questions at the right and choose a spokesperson to share key points with the larger group.

1. What will the observation experience look like for the mentees that you are serving? (Specifically who will be observed and what might be the focus?)

2. How might this information support your work as you engage in an observation with your mentee?

Recipe for a learning focused observation

With the people at your site, please take 3 minutes to create a recipe for a great learning focused observation. We will share these with the larger group.

Mentoring resourceswww.esd101.net

AT YOUR SITEPlease respond to the prompt at the right and choose a “spokesperson” to share the thinking of your team with the larger group.

3 New pieces of information

2 Things you would like to try

1Question you have about

your role as a mentor