Observation Training
Learning Objectives:
1. Review the elements of the observation process including:
scheduling, pre-observation preparation, post-observation
meetings, and summary reports
2. Discuss observer etiquette
3. Review the forms available to guide observations
4. Discuss the behaviors that characterize the elements of
effective teaching
5. Review suggestions for the summary report and postobservation meeting
Instructional Activities to be observed
include but may not be limited to…..
•
•
•
•
•
•
Classroom instruction
Clinical instruction
Counseling appointment
Laboratory instruction
Library instruction
Online courses
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
Process
•
•
•
•
•
Scheduling
Pre-observation preparation
Observation
Summary Report
Post-observation meeting
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.
Pre-Observation
• Contact the faculty to determine areas of concentration
• Talk about the preferred classroom etiquette
• Ask if the course instructor has 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: Observer Etiquette
• Consider the following:
o
o
o
o
Arrive Early
Participation in group activities per invitation
Observing only
Be specific when possible with examples or suggestions with notes on
worksheet along with constructive comments
• Etiquette Discussion
o Other things to consider?
Summary Report
• After the observation
o Create a summary report
• Use observation form as a guide
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 Forms
• Visit the Faculty Evaluation to review the individual forms
o
o
o
o
o
Classroom Observation Form
Advising Observation- Peer Form
Advisor Counselor Observation Worksheet
Classroom Observation Librarian
Online Course Observation Form
Using the Forms
•
•
•
•
•
•
Note techniques that worked well
Make suggestions to try new techniques
Be as specific as possible
Focus on content as well as delivery
Observe students reactions (Are students engaged?)
Remain objective and receptive to teaching strategies and
techniques that may be different from yours
Discussion
• What are some elements of effective teaching?
Summary Report Suggestions
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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
Post-Observation Meeting Suggestions
• 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 (possibly as part of your FPE report)
• 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. Review the elements of the observation process including:
scheduling, pre-observation preparation, post-observation
meetings, and summary reports
2. Discuss observer etiquette
3. Review the forms available to guide observations
4. Discuss the behaviors that characterize the elements of
effective teaching
5. Review suggestions for the summary report and postobservation meeting
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?