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 teaching
2. Complete a classroom observation using the faculty
observation form
3. Conduct a post observation meeting, using a summary
report
4. 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
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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 Etiquette
o Participation in group activities (from instructor)
o Observing only
o Sit in the back, if possible
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
• 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 Teaching
These 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 classroom
Indicate location of:
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o
Instructor
Observer
Whiteboard/blackboard
Technology station
Note seating arrangement
Note 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 used
Or….Count number of times open ended questions are asked
Using the form
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 the form
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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 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
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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
• 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 Associate Dean of Faculty Evaluation and Hiring
Common Questions
Q: 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?