Clinical Observation Process

, straight-forward and objective. As a perspective supervisor, I would like to use the Stronge when it comes to observing teachers in the classroom. I find that the pre-conference and observation form and process is well developed. However, Strong does lack to include a post-conference form or meeting that I agree with; therefore I’ve developed my own to use for the following observation.

For this observation, I had the opportunity to observe an AP Physics class at PCTI, with Dr. WG. Dr. WG is a seasoned teacher and has been teaching this course for several years. Two days before the observation, Dr. WG and I had a pre-observation conference and he also completed a pre-observation form. This form provided me with information about the class being observed, what to expect and gave the observed a chance to include any information that they feel is necessary for the observer to know. I feel this form gives a little insight of what to expect during the observation and helps the observed prepare for the observation as well.

On the day of the observation, I walked in to the classroom a minute or two before the bell rang. The Do Now was already on the board and the students already seated had already begun working. As remaining students were still walking in to class, Dr. WG was finishing writing the objective for the day on the board. Once the bell rand Dr. WG greeted them, read the Do Now to them and objective for the day. He walked to his computer at his desk to take attendance electronically and gave the students time to work on the Do Now. A few worked independently and couple of them worked cooperatively. It was apparent that students were very comfortable in class and the overall atmosphere in class was very casual, like that of a college course.

Dr. WG lesson didn’t go as planned. Students had difficulty with the Do Now problems and Dr. WG realized that the student had confusion and/or not fully mastered the concepts from the lesson before. Dr. WG then spent the remainder of the class reviewing the problems in detail and also presented a power-point presentation on that lesson. By the end of class, students were correctly developing and using the formulas needed and better understood the concepts. Dr. WG would assess students by asking questions and asking students for explanations and connections.

After the observation I filled out the observation form and it was very straightforward and was easy to apply. My only critique is that some of the standards do not apply for an observation. For example:

6.3 Incorporates learning from professional growth opportunities into instructional practice and reflects upon the effectiveness of implemented strategies.

6.5 Engages in activities outside the classroom intended for school and student enhancement.

6.6 Works in a collegial and collaborative manner with administrators, other school personnel, and the community to promote students' well-being and success.

6.7 Builds positive and professional relationships with parents through frequent and appropriate communication concerning students' progress.

6.8 Serves as a contributing member of the school's professional learning community through collaboration with teaching colleagues.

After the lesson, Dr. WG and I had a post conference. I really enjoyed this part of the observation process, because it allowed for conversation about best teacher practices and reflections from their point of view. By the end of the observation process I could tell that Dr. WG was a great teacher. He had the ability to pick up on the needs of his students, cater to their needs and help move them forward to learn the next lesson.

Overall, I learned so much from his experience and I’m pleased with the Stronge evaluation system for observations.

Pre Observation Conference Record

Teacher: Dr. WG Physics Teacher

Evaluator: Derya Yildirim

Grade/ Subject: 11th and 12^th grade / AP Physics

Date: 11/16/15

1. Describe the lesson that will be observed. What have/will you done instructionally with students in the days prior to the observation?

Students will be able to examine electric potential and electric field. This is the first lesson on this topic therefore the class will be more of a lecture style, because concepts must be taught through explanation.

In the days prior to the lesson being observed the students will have completed topics on Force and Energy.

2. Describe the population of the class.

This class is a high level, Advanced Placement course. There are 13 students in total: 10 males and 3 females; 12 general education students and 1 special needs student.

3. What will be observed?

Topic: Electric Potential

Objective: Students will be able to examine electric potential and electric field

4. What instructional methods will be used?

Direct instruction, power-point presentation via overhead projector, group discussion

5. What would you like to be highlighted in this lesson?

6. What do you believe to be any areas of concern?

I feel an area of concern could be students having a difficulty understanding the concepts being taught.

Formal Observation