Suggestions For Observation Topics & Techniques
Helpful Observation Topics:
Suggested below are common areas where beginning teachers may need help. You may want to focus observations around one or more of these.
Giving directions
Information presentations
Questioning format
Answer/response format
Assigned practice
Percentage of teacher/student talk
Rapport with students
Handles interruptions
Individual acting out reactions
Discipline statements
Disruptive behavior management |
Transitions
Timing
Reinforcement techniques
Resource material usage
Number of pupils involved
Language usage - student teacher
Leadership of student teacher
Multi group management
Non-attending pupils
Seeking full class attention
Non-teaching duties |
Possible Systematic Observation Techniques:
The major purpose behind any observation should be to provide the student teacher with an accurate snapshot of performance. Systematic observation techniques which may be helpful are stated below.
Tallying
Tally marks may be used to identify areas as numbers of specific teaching behaviors used as response to pupil answers, praise statements, or reprimands.
Listing
One or two word descriptions of key behaviors to point out patterns, variety, consistencies or inconsistencies.
Coding
Describing key behaviors by means of a code or set of symbols.
Anecdotal Writing
Brief running record/description of each event of the lesson.
Timing
Using a watch to record behaviors which occur during the lesson.
Journaling
Recording a running account in journal form of all actions exhibited throughout each day. Use of this is helpful in weekly conferences on progress.
