A. Informal Observations

Informal observations take place frequently (essentially daily) throughout the student teaching experience. Feedback on such observations can be done in a number of ways. This feedback is usually presented in ways that are quick and easy for the cooperating teacher and student teacher to communicate with each other on a regular basis.

WAYS OF GIVING INFORMAL FEEDBACK

Post-it Notes

Journals

Verbal

B. Formal Observations

Formal observations usually take place less frequently than informal observations. Formal observations occur about once a week (or more) and are often preceded by a pre-conference and followed by a post-conference. Feedback from formal observations is usually recorded on official forms which are maintained as official records.

FORMAL OBSERVATION FORMS (Word)

Student Teacher Observation/Assessment Form

Lesson Observation Record (Scripting Form)

Formative Observation Form

Weekly Conference Record

Three-Way Conference Evaluation

Final Student Teacher Evaluation

FORMAL OBSERVATION FORMS

1. Student Teacher Observation/Assessment Form

This form can be used early in the experience or at any time you wish
to give feedback, but do not necessarily want to give numerical ratings.

2. Lesson Observation Record

This record is to help you begin to record/script a written picture of the lesson that will be defensible and helpful as a coaching tool. Use shorthand to help you jot down teacher talk and actions, pupil talk and actions, and interaction patterns. Try jotting down the time at 5 minute intervals.

3. Formative Observation Form

a. Fill out the top (gives you information for a legal record)
b. Review lesson plan and use informal dialog to record evidence for Domain A (record objective(s)/goal(s)
c. Observe lesson, recording onto the Class Observation Record or a sheet of paper (evidence mostly for Domains B and C)
d. Based on a post-conference and your own background knowledge about the student teacher, record evidence for Domain D
e. Evaluate and score (using scoring rules)
f. Use all evidence to make summary statements
g. Record scores on the Formative Observation Form
h. Use observations and informal conversations to score Domain P

4. Weekly Conference Form

Fill in each week based upon formal and informal observations. All areas may not be applicable at the beginning of the placement. Cooperating teachers should encourage their student teacher to complete the Weekly Conference Form as a self-evaluation and bring it to the weekly conference.

5. Three-Way Conference Evaluation

Will be used to review strengths and weaknesses. Supervisors, cooperating teachers and student teachers will make contributions to the
discussion and ratings based on observations and performance recorded
on the weekly conference record.

6. Final Student Teacher Evaluation

Culminating evaluation of student teacher performance; includes
numerical ratings and summary statements

SUGGESTED OBSERVATION SCHEDULE

Table of Contents | Conceptual Framework | Calendar | EDUC 400 | | Responsibilites | Assessment
Observations | Conferences| Final Evaluation | Policy Statements | Honorarium Request |

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