The University of Illinois at Chicago
Economics 441: Teaching Methods in Economics
Writing Assignment #1
Evaluating a Lecture
Due February 4
1.
Attend a lecture (topic, instructor of your choice). It is a courtesy, when you are
visiting a class in which you are not enrolled, to request permission of the instructor
beforehand. This also prevents attending review sessions or quizzes by mistake.
(One professor remarked to me that all attendees must take the exam with the
registered students!)
2.
Identify the lecture, subject, time and place.
3.
Use the attached "Classroom observer checklist" for ideas on comments about the
lecture.
4.
Summarize in a paragraph the content and purpose of the lecture.
5.
Identify and discuss the one strongest and one weakest aspect of the lecture.
Classroom Observer Checklist—Things to Look Out
For and Discuss in Your Written Summary
Overall Classroom Atmosphere
1.______________ Instructor appears enthusiastic
2.______________ Students appear alert and attentive
Organization
3._______________Initial outline of content clearly stated
4._______________Initial statement of why this content is important for
students to understand
5._______________Main points organized in logical sequence
6._______________Use of examples and elaboration to emphasize and
clarify main points
7._______________Effectiveness of summaries of main points
8._______________Clarity of transition between main points
Presentation
9._______________Speaks audibly and understandably
10.______________Makes effective use of voice inflection
11.______________Maintains eye contact with students
12______________Makes effective use of aids: blackboard, overhead
projector, computer, etc.
Writing Assignment #1 Rubric
Maximum points 4.
Gateway—Each part worth 1 point.
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Identifies lecture, subject, time, place
Used checklist
Content and purpose of class included
Identifies strongest and weakest aspects
Lecture (1 point subtracted for each below)
 Quiz
 Class you are taking
Checklist (1/4 point per part)
 Discusses atmosphere
 Discusses organization
 Discusses presentation
 Relates checklist to learning
Content and Purpose (1/4 point per part)
 Discusses content
 Discusses purpose
 Relates content to learning
 Relates purpose to learning
Strong/weak Aspects (1/4 point per part)
 Lists at least 1 strength
 Lists at least 1 weakness
 Relates strength to learning
 Relates weakness to learning