SCHOOL LIBRARY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

University of Pittsburgh Department of Library and Information Science

LIS 2922 Practicum Formative Observation by SLCP Supervisor of Practicum Students

Student: Date: Ruth Neely November 21, 2013 Mr. Joseph Prince Ancient Egypt/Research Planning Guide/Artifact Project Time: 9:56am School/District: Marshall Middle School/North Allegheny SD

Cooperating Teacher Librarian: Activity/Lesson Observed: Grade: 7th

Formative Assessment: S Satisfactory N Needs more development

PDE 430: Exemplary Superior Satisfactory Unsatisfactory

Rating PRACTICUM STUDENT (PS) PREPARATION:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. PS indicated objectives in terms of students, procedures, supplementary materials and assessment. PS illustrated good logic with attention to proper sequence of materials, resources and procedure in lesson plan. PS demonstrated knowledge of lesson topic. Plans reflected consideration of students of all abilities. Handouts and other evaluative tools were properly constructed. PS was well prepared and organized. Collaborated with teacher(s) in the development of the lesson/unit.
S S S S S S S

LESSON PRESENTATION/TEACHING MODEL AND METHODS:

1. 2. 3. 4. PS employed techniques which motivated students. PS included introduction, content, summary/closure, and assessment in lesson plan. PS employed principles of learning. PS made use of appropriate teaching methods and employed

Rating
S S S S

5.

6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

these effectively. PS recognized individual differences of pupils through differentiated activities, instruction, use of materials of varying difficulty, etc. PS used a variety of educational resources. PS made effective use of technology. PS made smooth, effective and efficient transitions from one part of lesson to next. PS paced the lesson effectively and adhered to class time allocation. PS incorporated various questioning techniques. PS built on students prior knowledge. The students understood the objectives of the lesson. PS organized resources and activities effectively. PS demonstrated thorough knowledge of subject. PS identified goals and learning outcomes based on PA Academic Standards or Information Power Information Literacy Standards. PS aligned assessment with lesson objectives.

S S S S S S S S S S S S S

LIBRARY/CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. PS established and sustained a purposeful learning environment. PS demonstrated positive rapport with students. PS established and sustained expected student behaviors. PS set high expectations for all students. PS actively engaged students. Student behavior was appropriate to the lesson or activity and indicated self-discipline. PS made criticism constructive, positive and specific comments regarding specific student behavior. PS focused on behavior not on the individual when modifying student behavior.

Rating
S S S S S S S S

COMMUNICATION SKILLS OF PRACTICUM STUDENT:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. PS used appropriate language and tone. PS spoke clearly and audibly. PS used appropriate body language. PS maintained eye contact with students. PS listened to and responded to students. PSs written language was correct. PS made effective use of questioning.

Rating
S S S S S S S

Observation by SLCP Supervisor of Practicum Students

GENERAL COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS: A complete lesson plan was provided that included Learning Goals, AASL Standards, Formative/Summative Assessments, Learning Activities and Materials/Resources along with the student work sheets for the project. Lesson included knowledge, comprehension, analysis and synthesis levels of understanding and was a collaborative effort with the classroom teachers. The lesson began with Ms. Neely clearly identifying the goals and learning outcomes based on standards. Lesson observed was Day 2 of a six day research unit on Ancient Egypt/Artifact Project. Ms. Neely was well prepared for the lesson and most knowledgeable in all resources that were to be used; both print and non-print sources. She shared tips in research to ensure student success in this project. Students were welcomed into the library and were referred to by name throughout the lesson. Excellent student behavior; at one point Ms. Neely quickly viewed a table not paying full attention and stated, All eyes up here please.all eyes on me! and immediately the four students refocused their attention. Students are comfortable asking for assistance and eager to respond to her questions. The brainstorming session was beneficial to the students. The phone a friend concept is a great one to use when a student has not given the correct answer. Ms. Neely is sensitive to student needs and is able to monitor and adjust portions of the lesson when necessary. Excellent use of questioning techniquesshe was able to vary questions and had the full attention of all students as she worked through the instruction. Positive reinforcement was evident with numerous comments to the students and many comments lowered anxiety which a student may have had about the research project. Ms. Neely used humor with the students, but only when appropriate and timely.

Transitions from one area of the lesson to another were smooth with no loss of instructional time. Students followed along as Ms. Neely provided information regarding the Big6 plan for research. (Big6 #1 Task Definition and Big6 #2 Information Seeking Strategies were covered as Ms. Neely used the Smart board for students to follow along and time was allotted for students to fill out their Research Planning Guides.)

OVERALL EVALUATION: Ms. Neely is to be complimented for this model lesson. She is able to make learning fun for students and has developed a great rapport with them. Ms. Neely is professional in her work. She has experienced a wide range of teaching opportunities in this busy student centered library along with library procedures. During the debriefing session with Ms. Neely, Mr. Prince expressed how very pleased he has been with Ms. Neelys teaching and her work in this practicum experience. Dr. Mary Kay Biagini and I have been invited back to visit Marshall Middle School again in December to attend the culminating activity of this unit that will include a museum crawl of student produced work. Parents have also been invited as students share their Ancient Egypt research work in a unique way.

November 21, 2013

Date

Dnis L. Lynch
Signature of Practicum Supervisor