Classroom Observation
(CO)
Presenter: CamilaWu
ShinDong Junior High School
camilawu1219@gmail.com
Are you satisfied with your teaching?
How do you like your own teaching?
How do you promote your English teaching?
Brainstorming
We should not work alone.
Feeling lonely in the journey of teaching….
Definition of Classroom Observation
One effective mean of learning how
certain teaching methods are employed in
the schools, how classrooms are
organized, and how students respond to
the classroom environment (Reed &
Bergemann, 2005, 9)
Discussion
Did you ever observe colleague’s teaching?
Or were you ever observed????
Was it a positive or negative experience?
Why?
Discussion
What kinds of useful information about
teaching could be gathered through
observation?
Why is “classroom observation”
needed????
It provides stimulus and ideas for ways of
exploring one’s own teaching by observing
other teachers and classroom in action
By having one’s own teaching/classroom
observed for the purpose of continued
learning and exploration
Why observe?????
Provide an opportunity for the sharing of
ideas and expertise, as well as a chance
to discuss problems and concerns
Get feedback on one’s teaching
Develop self-awareness of one’s own
teaching
A component of teacher development
Are you willing being observed?
Why? Or Why not?
Brainstorming/Discussion……
Would you like to observe T’s teaching?
Let’s do it now.
http://ceitl.zanestate.edu/wiki/images/0/0e/
Classroom_Observation_Examples.pdf
(English-T.Slater)
What do you see in the video?
What questions would you like to ask the
teacher?
Is there anything you feel unclear and you
need more explanation?
Guiding Principles for Observing-1
Observers need to maintain a sensitive
awareness of the potential for vulnerability
that inevitably accompanies any observation
of teaching
The presence of a visitor inevitable affects
the classroom dynamics.
Observers need to realize that the samples
of data brought from the classroom are
inevitably limited, and that sweeping
generalizations should be avoided.
Guiding Principles for Observing-2
Sometimes the task will entail some
preliminary collaboration and co-operation
with the teacher who is going to be
observed.
It is important to share with the observed
teacher any follow-up discussions about the
lesson
The experience has to be meaningful,
rewarding and non-threatening to all
involved.
General Guidelines
Observation should have a focus
Should use specific procedures
The observer should remain an observer.
( objective/ not judgmental)
Ex:
According to my observation notes, I would
like to know if…..
Suggested Procedures for CO
Arrange a pre-observation orientation
session
Identify a focus for the observation
Employ appropriate procedures to suit the
purpose of the observation
Carry out the observation
Arrange a post-observation session
(interview)
A Pre-observation Orientation Session
The nature of the class observed
The kind of material being taught
The teacher’s approach to teaching
The kinds of students in the class
Typical pattern of interaction and class
participation
Identify a Focus for the Observation
Typical “how-to” dimensions of teaching
include the following:
How the teacher__________
starts and ends a lesson
allots time within a lesson
assigns tasks to students
organizes learning groups
supervises students when they are learning
asks questions
How does the teacher ask Qs?
What kind of questions does the teacher ask
most often? Yes/No? Either/or? Wh-? Tag?
What is the content of the teacher’s
questions?
How long does the teacher wait after asking
a question to get a response?
How does the teacher ask Qs?
How does the teacher give instructions?
 How much time does it take?
Do students know what to do after being
given the instructions?
Other topics that for CO-1
Teacher’s language use
Organization of the lesson
Time management
Main teaching activities
Ss’ performance of tasks
Other topics that for CO-2
Time on tasks
T’s Qs and Ss’ responses
Pair and group work
Classroom interaction
Classroom management
Use of the textbook
3 Ways ---Employed to Suit
the Purpose of the Observation
Written NarrativeField Notes
checklists
Written Narrative
The language use should be objective and
precise
Any form of evaluation should be avoided
Advantages
disadvantages
Field Notes
Brief descriptions in note form of key
events that occurred throughout the lesson,
including interpretations of incidents,
where relevant
Advantages
disadvantages
Checklists
A structured inventory listing feature of a
lesson that the observer completes as he
or she observes the lesson
Advantages
disadvantages
Notices
The observer’s function should be limited
to that of gathering information
The observer should not be involved in
evaluating a teacher’s lesson
Non-evaluative observation within the
context of professional development is
often welcomed by teachers.
During the Observation
Using the procedures that both parties
have agreed on
Careful observation
Collect data—keep records
During the Observation
 avoid setting up negative or hostile currents
in the classroom
Take every care to minimize the intrusion
Effective observation: being objective
A Post-observation Session
Observers and obseree meet as soon as
possible after the lesson
The observers report on the information
collected during the lesson and discusses
it with the observee
Let’s Practice it now!!!
examples of Classroom Observation
http://teach.mcsh.kh.edu.tw/sheu5711/app
raise/classroom_flow.htm(Chinese)
http://ceitl.zanestate.edu/wiki/images/0/0e/
Classroom_Observation_Examples.pdf
(English-T.Slater)
YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_kCJX
aVaNU (T-Chang)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ox1rdW
lW1r4&feature=related(T-Wang)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTZYc7
04zVI&feature=related (Gept-reading THan)
References
 Ruth, Wajnryb. (1992) Classroom Observation
Tasks. United Kindom: Cambridge University
Press
 Yueh-kuei, Hsu. (2010) Classroom Observation
and Post-observation Interview given in a
workshop
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_kCJXaVaN
U (T-Chang)
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ox1rdWlW1r4
&feature=related(T-Wang)
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTZYc704zVI
&feature=related (Gept-reading T-Han)