Towson University

Classroom Observation

Intern: Jonathan Robinson Date: March 6, 2017

Time: 11:45am-12:30pm
School: Ridgely Middle School Grade: 8th Class
Size:
Mentor: Susan Wilken Subject: English

Planning Observe Not

N
d In Observ
Progres ed A
s
Lesson is aligned with appropriate content standard and indicator. X
Lesson is aligned with appropriate InTASC principle. X
Lesson objective identifies intended learning. X
Lesson objective is worded in student terms. I can infer Swansons X
purpose for structural choices by analyzing the effect of the structural
choices made.

Formative assessment is directly aligned with the objective. Students X

worked with a partner, or in a small group, to analyze the structural
choices of a given paragraph.

Instructional materials are attractive and readily available. As the X

students entered the class, they were aware of where to pick up the
instructional materials that would be needed for todays class. You had
prepared two drills (one on grammar and one on authors style) to
review previous learning and a power point to present todays new
learning.

Comments: You designed an English lesson that demonstrated your ability to plan instruction based on knowledge
of the English Standards and your students strengths.

Context for Learning

Students demonstrate adequate prior knowledge to be successful X
learners.

Grouping techniques are appropriate for intended learning. X

Comments: It was clear from watching the students interacting with you and the instructional materials, that they
had adequate prior knowledge of the rules of language and sentence structure, and authors style, to apply their
knowledge to todays new task.

Motivation for Learning

Connections are made between students experiences and the new X
learning.

Strategies are used to promote excitement and stimulate thinking. X

Positive reinforcement is used when appropriate. X
Comments: Students were provided with visual, auditory and kinesthetic support to help them make connections
between their prior knowledge and the new task.

Implementing the Lesson

An appropriate review/drill/warm-up/motivation is conducted. X
Objective is posted, shared with students, discussed and clarified as X
needed.

Instructional activities are meaningful and relate to the objective. X

Instructional activities are appropriately sequenced. X
Instructional activities are varied to address different learning styles. X
There is a balance between teacher-directed and student-centered X
learning experiences.

Students are actively engaged during instruction. X

Teacher/student modeling sequence is appropriate to intended learning. X
Expectations/standards for student work are clearly communicated. X
Class begins and ends on time. X
Pacing is appropriate and adjusted based on student feedback. X
Transitions between activities are efficient and effective. X
Levels of questions are varied and support the objective. X
Content is accurate. X
Instruction makes cross-curricular connections (as appropriate) X
Instruction integrates the use of technology (as appropriate). X
Homework assignment is appropriate. X
Comments: From the grammar drill, to the presentation of the lesson objective, to the authors style drill, to the
power point, to the teacher modeling, and finally to the independent work, the instructional activities were
appropriately sequenced.

Not
Observe
Assessing Student Learning/Differentiation Observe In d N
d Progress A

Student data (as available) is used to inform instructional decisions. X

Informal assessment strategies are utilized throughout the lesson. X
Instruction is adjusted based on informal assessments of student X
understanding.

Instructional modifications (interventions/enrichment) are provided and X

based on needs of students.

Students practice new learning independently. X

Formative assessment is completed during the class period. X
Future instructional planning is based on formative data (Post X
observation discussion).

Comments: At the end of class, students were given the opportunity to practice analyzing structural choices in a
given paragraph.

Summarizing the Lesson

Summary provides connections to past and/or future lessons. X
Students demonstrate, reflect and evaluate attainment of the objective. X
Comments: As you shared with the students, todays task will be tied into future lessons.

Classroom Management
Student behavior is managed effectively. X
A positive and supportive atmosphere is maintained. X
Classroom routines and procedures are evident. X
Appropriate feedback and reinforcement are used consistently. X
Instructional space, equipment, and materials are organized. X
Comments: Students were quiet, attentive and working in a cooperative manner.

Professionalism
The intern uses correct English. X
The intern demonstrates knowledge of instructional strategies. X
The intern appears sensitive to individual needs and differences. X
The intern uses AV materials and technology appropriately. X
All written materials are clear and legible. X
The intern uses a clear voice, which is appropriately adjusted in volume X
and inflection.

The intern uses non-verbal communication effectively. X

Comments: Throughout the instructional period, it was clear that you understand the central concepts of your
content area, and how to connect these concepts to involve your students in critical thinking and collaborative
problem solving. You present the information in a clear, confident manner and the students are moving towards
mastering the materials.