Informal Observation Report Form
- How did the teacher capture and maintain student attention and interest?
The teacher managed to capture and maintain student attention by asking questions, instructing students to discuss the topic, and incorporate various gestures throughout the lesson. Some of the techniques applied, such as clapping hands, and repeating what the teacher said, helped in developing interest concerning the topic.
- What were the objectives of the lesson?
The main objective was to ensure that students are able to master particular methods of calculations. The teacher employed various techniques and strategies that would guarantee that students have comprehended what they were being taught.
- What procedures were used to accomplish the specific objectives of the lesson?
For every problem that had to be solved, the teacher allowed students to discuss the steps involved before demonstrating the steps on the board. Then the teacher would allow students to explain to each other how she derived the answer. The teacher made her students to repeat some terms after her so that the terms can stick in their minds.
- 4. During the lesson, how would you rate the level of student/teacher interaction (High, Medium, Low)? What strategies did the teacher use to encourage student involvement?
The level of student/teacher interaction is high during the lesson. By asking the students to argue the problem, the teacher intended to ensure that each student has something to tell the other students. Clapping hands, asking questions, pointing fingers, and repeating some terms, are some of the strategies that ensured students were totally involved in the topic under discussion.
- If more than one topic was covered in the lesson, how did the teacher accomplish the transition between topics? Did the transition involve establishing a relationship between the new topic and the topics just completed?
When switching topics, the teacher requested students to close their books before introducing a new topic. The transition ensured that students have switched their minds from one topic to the other.
- How did the teacher handle any inappropriate behavior by the students?
When the teacher noticed inappropriate behavior among students, she approached the student and try to show him/her how to organize him/herself.
- How did the teacher assess whether or not the students understood the concepts being developed or mastered the skills being taught?
The teacher ensured that students had understood the concepts developed in the topic by asking them to repeat what they learned from their colleagues. If the students failed to understand the concept, then the teacher would correct them by explaining the right concept. While some students could ask for assistance, the teacher was able to assess them as they work on their assignment.
- If it was found that the students had not mastered the concepts or skills being taught, how did the teacher respond?
For students who did not master the concepts that were being taught, the teacher ensured that she explained to them in the simplest way possible until they are satisfied with the explanation.
- 9. How did the teacher bring the lesson to closure?
As the students continue to work on their own, the teacher goes around the classroom to monitor how they are handling the problems. She offers directives and eventually asks the students to applaud themselves if they got the right answer.
- Did you observe any obvious classroom routines that had been established? What purpose did these routines serve?
The class has developed a number of routines that enhanced participating. For instance, when a student answered a question correctly, other students appreciated him/her by directing their fingers to him/her. The routines helped students to concentrate and appreciate what they were being taught. In addition, students can demonstrate cooperation through routines.
Summary Review
The teacher began the lesson by correcting homework questions, where every student was involved in finding solutions and marking his/her own work. The teacher used numerous gestures to enable her students to grasp everything that she said. She enhanced participation by allowing students to explain to other the steps involved to arrive at an answer. At the start of every topic, the teacher announced the objective of the study, as she allowed students to discuss briefly about the topic. As the lesson continued, every step was handled through discussions and suggestions. Students were encouraged to teach each other in turns.
School managers can replicate numerous things from this class demonstration. The teacher has demonstrated that a lesson is not an isolated incident, as every student can contribute through teaching each other through gestures. Every student seems to respond to every instruction that comes from the teacher. After every step, the teacher has to indicate the start of discussion, and the end of discussion. In some instance, she had to ask students what they had discussed with their colleagues. After explaining a concept, the teacher instructed the students to demonstrate excitement as they teach each other as a sign of confidence. In such a class, it is quite hard to notice enmity among students, as each student seemed eager to assist each other.