Online and Classroom Observation Training

1. Online and Classroom Observation Training

2. Learning Objectives: • Identify the behaviors that characterize the elements of effective teaching • Review the elements of an observation including: forms, post-observation meetings, and summary reports • Discuss how to provide constructive feedback

3. Instructional Activities to be observed include but may not be limited to….. • Classroom instruction • Laboratory instruction • Clinical instruction • Onlinecourses

4. Classroom Observations… • Contribute to personal and professional growth of both the observer and observed • Foster collegiality • Encourage us to share ideas • Identify projects that can be used in our Faculty Performance Evaluations (improving teaching effectiveness, assessment projects, etc.) • Create excitement around teaching

5. Scheduling an Observation • Full-time faculty should include observation plans on their FPE in the fall. • Adjunct faculty will be assigned an observation according to the GRCC Adjunct Faculty Evaluation Process. • Observers and “observees” will work together to coordinate mutually agreed upon times and dates.

6. Before the Observation • Contact the faculty to determine areas of concentration • Talk about the preferred classroom etiquette • Ask if the course instructor have special expectations for the class that you should know about • Discuss impact of observer on group dynamics (if applicable) • Discuss impact of observer on instructor (if applicable) • Contact the faculty to gain access to the online course (if applicable)

7. During the Observation • Consider the following: • Observer Etiquette • Participation in group activities per invitation • Observing only • Be specific when possible with examples or suggestions with notes on worksheet along with constructive comments.

8. Reporting Process • After the observation • Create a summary report • Use observation form or create own • Length of time to create summary ~ 1hour • Arrange for Post observation meeting: Face-to-face or electronically • Within 2 weeks of observation • Submit report to PD/DH and AD

9. Review Classroom Observation Form These are the elements included on the Classroom Observation Form. • Physical Space • Classroom Climate • Classroom Instruction • Classroom Interaction • Learning Styles • Classroom Management

10. Review Online Observation Form These are the elements included on the Online Observation Form. • Organization and Design • Curriculum and Instruction • Technical • Assessment and Evaluation of the Course

11. Using the form • Can’t observe everything • Focus on pre-determined area, if applicable • If none stated, then pick 2 or 3 from each category

12. Using the form: Face-2-Face Create a map of the classroom Indicate location of: • Instructor • Observer • Whiteboard/blackboard • Technology station Note seating arrangement Note communication patterns

13. Using the form: Face-2-Face • Set length of time for you to focus on an element. Ex: 10:05-10:15, observe where eye contact seems focused Or…..Count number of times student names are used Or….Count number of times open ended questions are asked

14. Using the form: Face-2-Face Lump and clump when possible • Ex: Pans room and Establishes direct eye contact • Uses positive body language /smiles and Uses humor as appropriate • Asks open ended questions and Uses appropriate wait time

15. Using Both Forms • Note techniques that worked well • Make suggestions to try new techniques • Be as specific as possible • Focus on content as well as delivery

16. Using Both Forms • Observe students reactions • Are students engaged? • Remain objective and receptive to teaching strategies and techniques that may be different from yours

17. Creating a summary report • Plan for ~1 hour to create report • Use notes from worksheet • Lead with strengths • For areas that need improvement, be as specific as possible • Be direct • Be as objective as possible • Appreciate different delivery techniques

18. Leading the post-observation meeting • Plan for ~1 hour to meet with peer • Have a copy of the summary report for each of you • Start with statement recognizing snap shot of teaching, impact of observer on classdynamics, impact of where observer sat (if applicable) • Ask how the instructor thought the class went • Review each section of the report together

19. Post observation • Reflect on what you as an observer have learned from this experience • How will your teaching change as a result of this experience?

20. Common Questions Q: What do I do if I have concerns post-observation or post-observation meeting? A: Contact your Department Head/Program Director and Associate Dean of Faculty Evaluation and Hiring

21. Learning Summary • Identify the behaviors that characterize the elements of effective teaching • Review the elements of an observation including: forms, post-observation meetings, and summary reports • Discuss how to provide constructive feedback

22. For more information… …please visit the Faculty Evaluation System Training Resources website at www.grcc.edu/ and search ‘faculty evaluation’. There you will find PowerPoint presentations, forms, copies of the signed agreements, links to recordings of the trainings, and other helpful information.

23. Questions?