Creating a Coaching Culture for Professional Learning Communities by Kise Jane A.J.;Russell Beth;

Author:Kise, Jane A.J.;Russell, Beth;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Solution Tree

Another frequent activity is observing each other’s classrooms. Because teachers with different personality types often meet instructional goals in very different ways, protocols, such as those provided in activity 6.5 (page 112), help observers refrain from misjudging activities and procedures that are unlike their own.

ACTIVITY 6.5 Observing Each Other’s Classrooms

Goal: To make teacher observations of each other’s classrooms as productive as possible for everyone by setting clear parameters

Materials: Observation sheets or copies of handout 6.1, “Peer Classroom Observation Sheet” (page 125), for each participant

Directions: Prior to the observation, meet with the teacher to set the desired learning objective for having others observe in his or her classroom. Examples might include the following:

• Level of questions asked

• Level of student involvement or engagement

• Scaffolding of ideas for struggling students

• Wait time after asking questions

• Maintenance of cognitive level of task (rigor)

• Lesson pacing

• Handling of transitions

Next, design an observation sheet, or use handout 6.1, for participants. Include the learning objective and sample comment stems to be used in the debriefing, with space for participants to organize their observations around the stems. Sample stems might include the following:

• I saw/noticed&

• I wondered about&

• I heard students say&

• I counted&

These stems are designed to keep the postconference evidence based rather than judgmental.

Then, meet with the teachers and explain the protocol to be used. Observe the entire class period or lesson being taught. Afterward, allow at least five minutes for observers to summarize their feedback, concentrating on the following items:

• What they noted about student learning as well as teaching

• Evidence-based (not judgmental or evaluative) comments

Lead a discussion of the observation, helping the group stay focused on evidence and the lens for observation that the teacher provided. Give the teacher an opportunity to respond. Then, discuss the overall process with the group, including what participants learned from the experience and what they will do differently in the future.

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