Teacher trainee Name:………………………………..
Classroom Observation
Checklist
Instructions:
1. During the observation, use each list as a checklist (not a scaled rating form), to indicate the presence or
absence of each item. Use the space below each section to make notes on specific behaviors you observe,
relevant to the items on the list.
2. After the observation use the data recorded on this form to respond to the questions on the final page.
3. In your debrief conversation with the instructor, use your summary notes on the final page of this form to
provide targeted, data-driven feedback to the instructor.
Teacher: Date of Class:
Textbook: Time of Class:
Lesson: Targeted skill:
Class grade: No. Students:
1. Organization
The teacher:
arrives on time
relates this and previous class(es), or provides students with an opportunity to do so
provides class goals or objectives for the class session
provides an outline or organization for the class session
knows how to use the educational technology needed for the class
locates class materials as needed
makes transitional statements between class segments
follows the stated structure
conveys the purpose of each class activity or assignment
completes the scheduled topics
summarizes periodically and at the end of class (or prompts students to do so)
Examples of teacher’s actions or behaviors that support the ratings above.
2. Presentation Skills
The teacher:
is audible to all students
articulates words so that they are understandable to students, and/or visually
represents words that might he difficult for students to hear
varies the tone and pitch of voice for emphasis and interest
speaks at a pace that permits students to understand and take notes
establishes and maintains eye contact
avoids over-reliance on reading content from notes, slides, or texts
avoids distracting mannerisms
uses visual aids effectively (e.g. when appropriate to reinforce a concept, legible
handwriting, readable slides)
effectively uses the classroom space
Examples of teacher’s actions or behaviors that support the ratings above.
3. Teacher-Student Rapport
The teacher:
attends respectfully to student comprehension or puzzlement
invites students’ participation and comments
treats students as individuals, e.g. uses students’ names
provides periodic feedback
incorporates student ideas into class
uses positive reinforcement (i.e. doesn’t punish or deliberately embarrass students in class)
Examples of teacher’s actions or behaviors that support the ratings above.
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4. Clarity
The teacher:
notes new terms or concepts
elaborates or repeats complex information
uses examples to explain content
makes explicit statements drawing student attention to certain ideas
pauses during explanations to ask and answer questions
Examples of teacher’s actions or behaviors that support the ratings above.
5. Variety and Pacing of Instruction
The teacher:
uses more than one form of instruction
pauses after asking questions
accepts students responses
draws non-participating students into activities/discussions
prevents specific students from dominating activities/discussions
helps students extend their responses
guides the direction of discussion
mediates conflict or differences of opinion
demonstrates active listening
provides explicit directions for active learning tasks (e.g. rationale, duration, product)
allows sufficient time to complete tasks such as group work
specifies how learning tasks will be evaluated (if at all)
provides opportunities and time for students to practice
Examples of teacher’s actions or behaviors that support the ratings above.
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6. Content Knowledge
The teacher:
makes statements that are accurate according to the standards of the field
incorporates current research in the field
identifies sources, perspectives, and authorities in the field
identifies diverse sources, perspectives, and authorities in the field
communicates the reasoning process behind operations and/or concepts
Examples of teacher’s actions or behaviors that support the ratings above.
Use the final page (below) to summarize and prioritize your feedback, based on the data
collected above.
Page | 4
Prioritized & Summarized Feedback
What went well in this class?
What suggestions for improvement do you have?
Additional Comments:
Page | 5
