Chapter 11 Observation Techniques

Chapter 11 Key Points Ability to observe is critical albeit complex Successful teachers observe perceptively, accurately and continuously, translating their observations into useful material Observation skills can be learned and become easier as beginning teacher becomes comfortable with content and environment Involves two aspects 1. How to observe – Observation Techniques 2. What to observe – Observation Foci

Observation Techniques Entail techniques of : 1. Back to the Wall - being in position to observe the entire class 2. Scanning - Glancing at the entire class with a left ‑ to ‑ right sweep Used with Observation Foci

Observation Foci Teaching is complex, thus teachers need to decide what it is important to look out for Safety - develop and teach safety rules and reinforce throughout the year On ‑ task behavior - Are they actually doing what you asked them to do? Class movement patterns - How is the entire class accomplishing the task? What should be changed? added? stopped? Individual movement patterns - Using “teaching by invitation” and “intratask variation” to meet individual needs (described in Chapter 12)

Chapter 11 Key Points Teachers and Observation Foci Techniques Safety: Lessons must consider safety first Reinforce procedures and precautions Process needs to be ongoing, throughout the year On-Task Behavior: Done once safety has been considered. Children can be off task due to: Task not being stated clearly. Task being too hard or too easy Child has not yet learned to be on-task

Chapter 11 Key Points Teachers and Observation Techniques (cont) Class Movement Patterns: Scan class and once class pattern observed, determine if need to 1. Change task 2. Provide a cue 3. Present challenge without changing task Individual Movement Patterns Teachers can work with individual pupils (e.g. intratask variation) while remaining focused on entire class Consider constantly the constant interplay between all four observation foci