Initial Teacher Education 14+ Graded observations: Guidance for assessors
For all trainees the final four observations must be graded using the criteria below:
Note: the types of evidence produced below are intended as guidance for assessors and are not exhaustive. You will be required to make a professional
judgement on the trainee’s achievement of the criteria through access to their professional practice portfolio, observation of the session and dialogue with the
trainee pre and post observation:
The criteria (includes links to the Professional Standards1)
Professional Skills (PS)
Professional Values and Attributes (PVA)
Professional Knowledge and Understanding (PKU)
Notes on evidence pre, during and post observation
1. Your planning and differentiation supports best outcomes
for all learners with opportunities to stretch and challenge
Lesson plan with rationale (written or verbal)
Management of an effective and inclusive classroom with a clear
differentiated approach
The setting of goals for learners that are achievable and realistic but
are sufficiently challenging
PVA1; PS13; PS14
2. You promote and manage positive learner behaviour,
motivating and inspiring students to learn
PVA3; PKU11
3. You keep yourself constantly updated in your subject
knowledge
Grade
the trainee demonstrates through their portfolio, their actions
during the session or the discussion before and/or after the
session the following:
Passion/enthusiasm for the subject
Use of own experience to show how the subject is of value
Involvement of the learners and the ability to draw upon learners’
own experiences and knowledge to develop the lesson
Inappropriate behaviour, language and comments in the classroom
are managed effectively
A sound understanding of the subject
Lesson plan that shows evidence of links to current perspectives on
the subject
The Education & Training Foundation (2014), Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers in Education and Training – England. Available http://www.etfoundation.co.uk/our-priorities/professional-standards/
1
Observation Grading proforma 14_15
PKU7; PS19
A PPP file shows access to current information and updating in own
subject
4. You use creative and innovative teaching strategies
(including integrating the development of learners' maths
and English skills)
Lesson plan and delivery that is creative in helping students to
understand the subject
Incorporation of learning technology in the session
Identification of learner needs in relation to maths and English in
lesson plan and delivery
Lesson plan and delivery show links to maths and English
The trainee has identified their own needs in relation to maths and
English (in PPP or verbally)
Knowledge of a range of approaches to learning and teaching
evident from planning materials and discussion
PVA4; PS16
5. You fully utilise available resources, including using
technology in supporting learning
PVA4; PS15
6. You use a variety of assessment strategies to monitor
progress, provide feedback and check impact on learning
PKU10; PS17; PS18
7. You promote equality and diversity to create a positive,
inclusive learning environment
PVA1; PVA5; PS14
Lesson plan and delivery show full use of available resources
including technology
Appropriate use of learning technology in the session to help the
students understand and learn the subject
Assisting learners to use technology to enhance their learning
PPP shows the trainee’s own use and development of learning
technology
An understanding of levels of learning
Knowledge of a range of formative and summative assessment
methods
The active involvement of learners in discussing and understanding
learning outcomes and assessment criteria
Use of creative and learner centred approaches to assessment for
example peer and self assessment
The provision of feedback that encourages positive motivational
beliefs and self-esteem
Lesson planning that shows recognition and consideration of
learning support needs
Resources used demonstrate embedding of social and cultural
diversity
Learners themselves are used as a source of learning about each
other
Observation Grading proforma 14_15
Establishment of a safe anti-discriminatory learning environment
Session demonstrates anti-discriminatory practice
PPP shows reference to equality and diversity legislation
8. You use reflective practice and educational research to
develop evidence-based practice
PVA2; PKU7, 8 & 9
9. You demonstrate professionalism in your practice
PVA6; PKU12; PS20
Access to current information (literature, professional websites etc)
on teaching the subject shown in PPP file, and/or planning delivery
to show evidence-based practice
PPP shows evidence of working with others (including mentor) to
expand own knowledge and development
The ability to provide a rationale for their planning and actions
Response to session outcomes, feedback and action planning
shows a reflective and evaluative approach
Evidence of action planning and action on previous feedback
A working relationship has been established with the mentor and
support workers in the classroom in order to enhance the learner
experience
Evidence of linkage of sessions to the whole curriculum/scheme of
work to ensure a cohesive learning experience
Adherence to local requirements and rules including behaviour
management and health and safety
Good attendance and timekeeping
Appropriate use of language and dress on placement that is mindful
of local policy and expectations
A commitment to personal and professional development
Overall Grade (best fit)
Observation Grading proforma 14_15
Grading descriptors:
Distinction: Work of exceptional quality demonstrating that the trainee has thoroughly considered all the criteria and a range of examples can
be found in the preparation and implementation of lessons; through discussion and in their PPP file. It is expected that even work at this level
will have some developmental targets.
Merit: Work of good quality demonstrating that the trainee has considered and met all the criteria and examples can be found in the
preparation and implementation of lessons; through discussion and in their PPP file. It is expected that work at this level will have a number of
developmental targets.
Pass: Work of satisfactory quality demonstrating competence in preparation and implementation. At least one example can be found in the
preparation, implementation, discussion and PPP file against the criteria. Work at this level will have a range of developmental targets to be
met in order to progress to higher grades.
Refer: Work of an unsatisfactory quality that does not provide any examples against some or all of the criteria.
Notes to remember:
1. Before or at the start of the session trainees should provide the assessor with the following items:
1. a few paragraphs describing the context of the lesson and the learners, in order to assist the assessor’s understanding of the lesson's
purpose;
2. a copy of the lesson plan, including lesson objectives expressing what learning the learners are intended to be able to demonstrate as a
result of the lesson and how that learning will be developed;
3. a copy of any handout sheets etc. that will be used during the lesson;
4. the Professional Practice file must be available to the assessor during each visit. This file should be developing gradually during the
course, and the tutor will want to give advice during this development.
An observation is either successful or unsuccessful but not ignored. Therefore if for example you turn up to do a scheduled observation and the trainee is not
ready/does not have a lesson plan etc. this is unsuccessful or a Refer grade (observations 4-8).
Trainees are informed that failure to produce their PPP file, including action plans, may lead to an unsuccessful grade being applied to the lesson.
The University Curriculum Tutor should always be informed in the event of an unsuccessful observation.
Observation Grading proforma 14_15