EDUC 5312/3315-Curriculum and Instructional Design

Classroom Observation Assignment

Observation Form 1
Observation Date: __March 11, 2016__

Observation Time: __10:35-11:30__

Teacher Observed: __Ms. Mitchell__

Subject/Grade Level__9th Grade Algebra 1__

School Observed: __CMIT Academy__

Observer:__Hakan Orak__

1-What was/were the learning objectives/outcomes of the lesson? (Add state objectives if
known, for example, TEKS 111.4. Grade 2.b.)
The objective was written on the corner of the board. It was to determine the slope of a line from
a linear equation.

2-How did the teacher begin and end the lesson?

The teacher was greeting the students at the door. Students were entering the classroom and
taking their assigned seats. Once the bell rang, students started to do the warm-up on the board
while teacher was taking attendance. After 5 minutes, the teacher reviewed some of the warm-up
questions. Then, she taught the new topic for 15 minutes. Following the direct instruction,
students worked on a worksheet in groups. At the end, Ms. Mitchell collected the worksheets and
announced the homework. The teacher told the students to get ready to leave. She ended the class
once the bell rang.

3-What did the teacher use for teaching materials or instructional aids/equipment?
The teacher used the whiteboard as well as the smart board. She also used the textbook for
lecturing and for the homework.

4-Which instructional methods and strategies did the teacher use? ( lecture, inquiry,
discovery learning, discussions, games or simulations, demonstrations, cooperative learning,
integration of technology, socrative questioning, etc)
The teacher used direct instruction to teach the topic. Then, she used cooperative learning where
students worked in mixed ability groups.

5-How did the teacher assess learning? (informal, formal, formative, summative, oral, openended, quiz, feedback etc) See Chapter 8 for more information on assessment methods
At the beginning of the lesson, students reviewed their prior knowledge via the warm-up. It was
an informal assessment. The teacher just reviewed the questions, which students struggled with.
For summative assessment, students worked in groups and submitted their work at the end of the
lesson. Students were also assigned with homework for further assessment.

6- What can you say about the teachers philosophy/beliefs and style?
(Traditional/progressive, behaviorist, student-centered vs. teacher centered, authoritative etc)
The teachers style was a combination of teacher and student centered approaches. She was not
authoritative. Students were engaged during the individual work (warm-up), direct instruction by
asking questions, and collaborating with other students during group work.

7-How does the teacher manage classroom? Can you identify classroom management
techniques used?
Mrs. Mitchell manages her class from the beginning until the end with established class
procedures and routines. Students knew exactly what to do throughout the lesson. Students were
so engaged that they didnt have time for any misbehavior.

8-Observe in the classroom setting and determine types of behavior students play when offtask. What do they do when they are not paying attention? How does the teacher re-direct
them or get them back on task?
The lesson was dominantly student-centered. Students were in charge of their learning. Ms.
Mitchell was just guiding them. Students were engaged and on-task. Ms. Mitchell was walking
around to ensure this. When students were a little off-task they were seeing their teacher right
next to them.

9-How does the teacher communicate with students (verbal, vocal, meta-verbal or non-verbal
communication such as facial, body language, use of space, motion and time?)
There was an excellent communication between the teacher and her students. Ms. Mitchell used
verbal communication as well as body language. She was also bonding with students with her
mobility.

10-Who were the students in the class? What did you notice about them? (Background,
diversity, attitude, motivation, interaction, participation, etc)
Students were mostly minority students (African-American). They were highly motivated. They
were engaged in the lesson. They were respectful to their friends and their teacher.

11-What did you see that is effective in engaging students? What do you see that is
ineffective in keeping students engaged?
The most effective strategy to keep students engaged was to have clear goals and objectives as
well as established class procedures and routines. Direct instruction was the section that could be
difficult to keep students engaged. Still, students were engaged even during lecture.
12-What are the two instructional strategies you observed and would like to apply in your
classroom?
1. Group work is a great strategy where students learn actively.
2. Warm-up is very helpful for a successful transition to a new lesson.
13-What are two important classroom management strategies that you observed and would
like to apply in your classroom?
1. Procedures and routines: Students knew what to do all the time. Thus, they were safe and
comfortable.
2. The teacher was mobile during the entire lesson. It is very important to connect with the
students.