Peer Observation Assignment

Each of you has been paired with another participant who teaches at the same level you teach.  You will need to make arrangements with the person you are observing to determine the most appropriate day for both of you.  All peer observations should be complete by the April meeting, as we will be discussing our findings at that meeting.  So you should plan to do your observation during February or March.

On the following page you will find some information that may be helpful for you to review before the observation and a form to complete during the observation to help you recall the observation during discussions.

Information to Review before the Observation

(from the Center for Instructional Development and Research at Univ. of Washington)

Classroom observation is a collaborative process. Both the person being observed and the observer have important roles before, during, and after the observation. Collaborating at each stage of the process can help put both participants at ease so that each benefits from the experience.

If you are being Observed ...

Before

·       Be prepared to discuss with the observer:

·        Goals for the class

·        What you plan to do in class that day

·        What you want the observer to pay attention to

·       Tell the observer

·        Where you’d like the observer to sit

·        If you’d like the observer to take part in class

·        Where the class meets, and when

During

·       Introduce the observer to the class.

·       Explain the purpose of the observation.

·       Explain the observer’s role to the students.

·       Soon after class, write down your reflections on the class so that you will be prepared to discuss it with the observer.

After

With the observer, reconstruct what happened in class

Think about goals for the class and the specific class session that was observed. Be prepared to describe:

·        What you felt went well

·        What you would change

·        What was typical or atypical about the class

Ask for specific descriptions and constructive suggestions.

If you are the Observer ...

Before

Meet with your colleague to discuss:

·        What will happen in class that day

·        What to pay attention to

·        Describe what you’ll be doing during the observation.

During

Record observations:

·        What is the instructor doing / saying?

·        What are students doing / saying?

Record your impressions and questions; for example:

·        "Is there another way to present that concept?"

·        "Seems clear, but students look confused. Why?"

Note time intervals of what you observe in your notes

Participate in the class only if invited to do so

After

With the instructor, reconstruct what happened in class.

Ask your colleague to describe:

·        What he/she felt went well

·        What he/she would change

·        What was typical or atypical about the class

Listen to your colleague

Describe rather than evaluate what you saw

Finally, offer constructive suggestions.