Classroom Observation Training

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

• Classroom instruction• Laboratory and clinical instruction• Online, Counselor, Librarian (separate trainings covering these

are available)

Refer to p. 7 in MOU

Learning Objectives:1. Identify the behaviors that characterize the elements of

effective teaching2. Complete a classroom observation using the faculty

observation form3. Conduct a post observation meeting, using a summary

report4. 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 concentration

o 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 the back, if possibleo 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• Length of time to create summary ~ 1hour

o Arrange for Post observation meeting: Face-to-face or electronically• Within 2 weeks of observation

Elements of Effective TeachingThese are the elements included on the Classroom Observation Form. • Physical Space: instructor moves around, room is set up to allow circulation, etc.• Classroom Climate: safe environment, inclusive environment, eye contact, use

of student names, etc.• Classroom Instruction: provides feedback, uses a variety of strategies, avoids

distracting behaviors, etc.• Classroom Interaction: encourages students, asks open-ended questions,

demonstrates positive behavior, etc.• Learning Styles: appeals to auditory, visual, kinesthetic, and others• Classroom Management: controls the learning environment, students

demonstrate civility, etc.

**The form contains a full list of specific things to look for in each area.

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

A: Contact your Associate Dean of Faculty Evaluation and Hiring

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

A: Yes, but they are minor. They include:• Refer adjunct faculty to Center for Teaching Excellence (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

For more information…

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

Questions?