How to Make the Most Out of Your Observations

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How to Make the Most Out of Your Observations
Presenters Diana Zabre, Susan Parnell, Veronica
Calderon, Tracy Schulin, and Staci Davis
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Introduction/Preparation

• A complete 45 hours of classroom observations are
  required at the end of the Program.
• A set of 12 hours will be required in the
  following classes CI, IDS, ESE, and RDG.
• Be familiar with the subjects, review your
  textbooks. This will guide you to understand what
  you should look for in the classroom, like
  classroom management, schedule, floor setting,
  instructional strategies, behavioral problems,
  students ratio, etc.
• The best place to set an appointment is in the
  school district in which you would like to work.
• Take under consideration that some districts
  require you to fill out an application or require
  a background check before they allow you in their
  schools. This is very important because it is a
  great way to leave a door open for later job
  possibilities.

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When You Arrive At School

• Arrive early Have teacher name and room number
  available.
• Make sure that you park in the correct parking
  space.
• No cell phones
• R.A.P.T.O.R.
• Background Check
• Must Have Valid Photo I.D.
• Go Directed to Designated Room
• Name Tag Will Say Destination
• Dont Wonder Around School

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• Bring photo I.D. clipboard, pen and paper for
  note taking, digital camera, observation form
• Introduce yourself to the receptionist.
• Introduce yourself to the principal, if possible.
• Sign in at the front office.
• Smile be professional and confident in
  yourself.

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Introduction to the Classroom

• Understanding where you belong- Sit where you
  will be as inconspicuous as possible.
• Cell Phones- If you bring it turn it off!
• Dont Read a Book or Send Text Messages.
• Observe and take notes.
• Teacher Expectations
• Some teachers want you to simply observe. Others
  want you to be a little more proactive. To be
  sure, it's better to take a more conservative
  approach.

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• What to Look For While Youre Observing

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Lessons

• Anticipatory Set
• Guided Practice
• Independent Practice/Assessment
• Learner-centered Activities
• Take Detailed Notes

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Classroom Arrangement

• Desks/Tables
• Large Group Area
• Small Group Area/Guided Reading
• Centers
• Word Walls
• Calendar Area
• Shared Reading Area
• Teacher Desk
• Other Learning Materials on the Walls

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Classroom Management

• Positive Reinforcement
• Reward System(s)
• Procedures/Routines
• Do the students know what they are doing next?
• Does the teacher keep the students moving?
• Discipline Strategies
• Conduct Folders/Color changes
• OOPS Note (Click Here)
• Starting on RedWorking Toward Green

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When You Leave

• Be Sure to Have Teacher Sign Your Observation
  Form
• Thank the teacher for this opportunity
• Firm Handshake
• Smile
• Sign Out at the Front Desk!
• Send an Email/Thank You Note
• Thank the teacher again
• Ask to come back again if you want

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Final StepThe Observation Journal
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• Look over all of your written notes.
• Choose the material that fits the requirements of
  your professor.
• Include material that you found interesting,
  different or maybe even unusual that you feel
  could be beneficial to you in your teaching.
• In most cases, there is no required format to
  write your journal but check with your professor
  to make sure. Otherwise, just write your journal
  in paragraph form.

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• Include any pictures/photos you might have taken
  during your observations.
• Be sure to include any reflections or opinions in
  your journal.
• Before submitting your final copy to your
  professor be sure and check for any grammatical
  errors. It is important to be professional in
  your journal.

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• The following are examples of journals that were
  submitted for Kindergarten and Fifth grade.
• Observation Essay Kindergarten.doc
• Observation - 5th Grade.doc