Online and Classroom Observation Training

Learning Objectives:

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

2. Review the elements of an observation including: forms, post-observation meetings, and summary reports

3. Discuss how to provide constructive feedback

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

• Classroom instruction• Laboratory instruction• Clinical instruction• Online courses

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

Scheduling an Observation

• Full-time faculty should include observation plans on their FPE in the fall.

• Adjunct faculty will be assigned an observation according to the GRCC Adjunct Faculty Evaluation Process.

• Observers and “observees” will work together to coordinate mutually agreed upon times and dates.

Before the Observation

• Contact the faculty to determine areas of concentration• Talk about the preferred 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 (if applicable)• Discuss impact of observer on instructor (if applicable)• Contact the faculty to gain access to the online course (if

applicable)

During the Observation

• Consider the following:o Observer Etiquetteo Participation in group activities per invitationo Observing onlyo 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• Use observation form or create own

o Length of time to create summary ~ 1houro Arrange for Post observation meeting: Face-to-face or

electronically• Within 2 weeks of observation

o Submit report to PD/DH and AD

Review Classroom Observation Form

These are the elements included on the Classroom Observation Form. • Physical Space• Classroom Climate• Classroom Instruction• Classroom Interaction• Learning Styles• Classroom Management

Review Online Observation Form

These are the elements included on the Online Observation Form. • Organization and Design• Curriculum and Instruction• Technical• Assessment and Evaluation of the Course

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: Face-2-Face

Create a map of the classroomIndicate location of:

o Instructoro Observero Whiteboard/blackboardo Technology station

Note seating arrangementNote communication patterns

Using the form: Face-2-Face

• 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: Face-2-Face

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 Both Forms

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

Using Both Forms

• Observe students reactions• Are students engaged?• 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 (if applicable)

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

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?

Common Questions

Q: What do I do if I have concerns post-observation or post-observation meeting?

A: Contact your Department Head/Program Director and Associate Dean of Faculty Evaluation and Hiring

Learning Summary

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

2. Review the elements of an observation including: forms, post-observation meetings, and summary reports

3. Discuss how to provide constructive feedback

For more information…

…please visit the Faculty Evaluation System Training Resources website at www.grcc.edu/ and search ‘faculty evaluation’. There you will find PowerPoint presentations, forms, copies of the signed agreements, links to recordings of the trainings, and other helpful information.

Questions?