Worksheet 1.5
Observing Instructional Practices
| Name: | Marlena Schuster | Subject/Grade Level Observed: | MS/HS |
| Observation Date: | 02/3/20 and 2/4/20 |
Teachers must manage the learning environment to enable students to achieve the objectives established for the lesson. This observation form may help guide your observation and reflection on this instructional process in order to acquire a more comprehensive understanding of the teaching process.
Answer the following questions while observing your cooperating teacher. You are strongly encouraged to reflect back on your answers at the conclusion of the lesson to add in more detail and reflection.
1. How does the teacher focus the attention of students at the beginning of the class? If this is an elementary setting, howdo students enter and exit the room?
Both teachers and the middle and high school levels have routines for students such as where to put down their things and also a Do Now, usually related to the day’s lesson.
2. How does the teacher determine the students’ prior knowledge of a subject or concept?
In both cases, the teachers will ask the class about their prior knowledge by asking if anyone has heard of the concept and if they would like to try to explain it, or if anyone has heard the piece or song before, etc.
3. Does the teacher use a visual organizer or post an instructional outline to help direct student learning? When and how is it used?
Both teachers put powerpoint slides up outlining the lessons for the day.
4. If the students are assigned independent or small group work, what does the teacher do to ensure students understand the instructions? Is there more than one strategy for providing instruction?
This only happens in the high school, and he wanders the classroom and takes individual questions.
5. If students are assigned cooperative learning groups, when and how does the teacher give the instructions for the group work? How are the groups selected?
Students at the HS are able to select their own groups. Instructions are always outlined on the board.
6. How does the teacher assess student understanding?
Both teachers ask students questions in class and give take-home assignments.
7. What instructional strategies encourage participation of all students during large and small group work?
The teachers in both schools have such good rapports and relationships with the students that students are excited to participate in both settings simply because they enjoy the material and the teacher.
8. Does the teacher provide additional instruction while the students are working/playing? If so, how is this done?
Teachers will wander the classrooms and give feedback.
Marlena's Student Teaching Journey 
Hello, Marlena!
#1: I think the way Craig’s class functions at the beginning of the hour is working very well, and I was so pleased to see how seamlessly you integrated into the set up. You may find that certain portions of your CTs’ start-of-class methods will end up in your own teacher behaviors, and others may not work for you. In your case, I think your placements must be a good opportunity to compare to experienced teachers’ methods to see which you may wish to emulate.
#3: I think this is a wonderful procedure. I found it very useful as a visual learner myself to plan my day using slides such as this. I also included slides to record student reflections and comments to prompts during the lesson as a visual organizer of our work. It was a great way for me to reflect on student comprehension, etc. from previous lessons as I planned future lessons.
#7: I agree with this statement as I’ve seen Craig work with his students, and I saw similar levels of investment in the work and rapport with students when I observed you. I think this will be a strength for you as you begin your career. Relationship building is the first step toward success in teaching, and I’m so excited for you!
Wonderful reflections, Marlena!
–Robert
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Marlena,
This prompt gives you an opportunity to think about what is a rehearsal and how that compares to a traditional classroom setting. When you have a large group of students with instruments it is hard to have them work in small groups and assess individuals. IN your reflection, think about if this style of teaching is something you would want to incorporate into your ensemble class or not.
Lauren
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