Observation Day Guidelines

Observer Responsibilities during the Study Lesson

• Remember, you are serving as an observer, not the teacher. Do not interfere with the lesson even if the teacher takes a different course than was planned.
• As you observe the lesson, keep in mind that you will NOT be critiquing the teacher.
• Respect the atmosphere of the classroom.
• Minimize side conversation during the lesson.
• Be aware of blocking the student’s views and/or video camera.
• Follow the observation plan decided upon in the research lesson observation pre-planning meeting.
• Minimize interaction with students. Refrain from teaching or assisting.

Use your Researcher Lens

• Keep in mind the student development and learning goals.
• Refer to indicators as you document your observations.
• Record all types of observations related to your indicator(s), including errors and misconceptions.
• Take detailed notes on individual student responses and questions using student codes.
• Use predetermined student codes, roster and seating chart as you refer to students in your notes.

Focus your notes on observations rather than opinions and inferences. It may be helpful to jot down thoughts or questions that arise during the observation in a separate section, but the main focus should be on collecting data of observable student behavior and talk that relate to the student development and learning goals.

Evidence

• Relies on your senses
• Specific,detailed, and clear
• Transcription of exactly what you hear or see (to the best of your ability)
• Includes student-­student talk, teacher-­student talk, student behaviors

Opinion

• Includes your interpretation of an observation
• Makes judgments

Use a seating chart to help facilitate your note-­‐taking. The seating chart includes:

• Seating arrangement
• First names only
• Gender