Transcript Classroom observation - Grand Rapids Community College

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…..
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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 Etiquette
o Participation in group activities per invitation
o Observing only
o Be specific when possible with examples or suggestions
with notes on worksheet along with constructive
comments.
Reporting Process
• After the observation
o Create a summary report
• Use observation form or create own
o Length of time to create summary ~ 1hour
o 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.
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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.
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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 classroom
Indicate location of:
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Instructor
Observer
Whiteboard/blackboard
Technology station
Note seating arrangement
Note 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 used
Or….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
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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
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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 postobservation 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?