Appendix D

Towson University

Classroom Observation
Intern: DaVonna Holmes

Date: September 21, 2016

Time: 10:10
Class
Grade: 3-5
Size: 25
Subject: Language Arts

School: Chillum Elementary School

Mentor: Jillian Dietrich

Observed

Planning
Lesson is aligned with appropriate content standard and indicator.
Lesson is aligned with appropriate InTASC principle.
Lesson objective identifies intended learning.
Lesson objective is worded in student terms.
Formative assessment is directly aligned with the objective.
Instructional materials are attractive and readily available.

In Progress

Not
Observed

NA

X
X
X
X
X
X

Comments:
The objective is aligned with all appropriate standards, indicators and InTASC principles.

Context for Learning

Students demonstrate adequate prior knowledge to be successful learners.
Grouping techniques are appropriate for intended learning.

X
X

Comments:
The students desk were set up so that each one was able to have partner
Class started by reviewing the lesson from yesterday. The students were able to review the information on the screen. As the students answered
the questions you completed the organizer on the screen.
The students reviewed the objective in kid friendly terms.

Motivation for Learning

Connections are made between students experiences and the new learning.
Strategies are used to promote excitement and stimulate thinking.
Positive reinforcement is used when appropriate.

X
X
X

Comments:
The students were asked to summarized the story Thunder Rose You allowed the student to tell one thing about the story instead of
summarizing. You allowed the student extended processing to time to answer.
You reminded the students that their notebooks should be opened to the organizer that was on the screen.
As the students answered your questions you asked leading questions for extension of learning.

Implementing the Lesson

An appropriate review/drill/warm-up/motivation is conducted.
Objective is posted, shared with students, discussed and clarified as needed.
Instructional activities are meaningful and relate to the objective.

X
X
X

Instructional activities are appropriately sequenced.

Instructional activities are varied to address different learning styles.
There is a balance between teacher-directed and student-centered learning experiences.
Students are actively engaged during instruction.
Teacher/student modeling sequence is appropriate to intended learning.
Expectations/standards for student work are clearly communicated.
Class begins and ends on time.
Pacing is appropriate and adjusted based on student feedback.
Transitions between activities are efficient and effective.
Levels of questions are varied and support the objective.
Content is accurate.

X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X

Instruction makes cross-curricular connections (as appropriate)

Instruction integrates the use of technology (as appropriate).
Homework assignment is appropriate.
Comments:
The students were instructed to work with their desk partner to find text clues.
You describe the difference between text clues and summarizing
The students were shown a short example letter.
The parts of a well written letter were reviewed.
The students were guided through the process, you re-enforced the vocabulary.
The class worked together to unlock the prompt. The students were shown the directions on the overhead.
Each one of the directions were reviewed; beginning, details, transition words, ending, correct English.
You allowed the students to create the story and then you made the corrections on the overhead as students followed along.
There is an excellent balance between teacher directed and student centered work.

Observed

In Progress

Not
Observed

NA

Assessing Student Learning/Differentiation

Student data (as available) is used to inform instructional decisions.
Informal assessment strategies are utilized throughout the lesson.
Instruction is adjusted based on informal assessments of student understanding.
Instructional modifications (interventions/enrichment) are provided and based on needs of
students.
Students practice new learning independently.
Formative assessment is completed during the class period.

X
X
X
X
X
X
X

Future instructional planning is based on formative data (Post observation discussion).

Comments:
The key direction verbs were circled on the screen for the students to see.
The students were read the text if necessary, graphic organizers uses, allow students to share ideas verbally first. Modeling was completed on the
overhead.
The letter was chunked into parts.
The letter was completed on the overhead so that the students could follow along.
As the class continued to write the letter, they were instructed to refer back to their prompt.
As the class moved into independent work, new groups were formed and partners were changed.
A time was used to keep the pacing correct. The students could see it on the screen.

Summarizing the Lesson

Summary provides connections to past and/or future lessons.
Students demonstrate, reflect and evaluate attainment of the objective.

X
X

Comments:
Because of time constraints, the students were unable to complete their lesson. It will be continue into the next class

Classroom Management
X
X
X
X
X

Student behavior is managed effectively.

A positive and supportive atmosphere is maintained.
Classroom routines and procedures are evident.
Appropriate feedback and reinforcement are used consistently.
Instructional space, equipment, and materials are organized.

Comments:
You continuously circulated the classroom checking on students task completing.
You allowed the student enough time to find answer independently or with their desk partner
The students were given positive re-enforcement throughout the lesson. You announced which students had completed their work.
The class was attentive, quiet and on task the entire lesson.
Students understand the importance of raising their hand and not calling out in order to attain attention.
You moved students around to make sure they all had a partner.

Professionalism
The intern uses correct English.
The intern demonstrates knowledge of instructional strategies.
The intern appears sensitive to individual needs and differences.

X
X
X
X

The intern uses AV materials and technology appropriately.

All written materials are clear and legible.
The intern uses a clear voice, which is appropriately adjusted in volume and inflection.
The intern uses non-verbal communication effectively.

X
X
X

Comments:
DaVonna, you have established a caring, nurturing yet professional relationship with your students. The respect within the classroom is evident
and as a result you students are able to learn in a positive environment. You should be commended for working with the entire 25+ students
without an additional support.
I would love to see you teach your class with a promethean, or smart board.
Recommendations:
1. Is to possible to somehow make the screen a little more visual to the students. Can you turn the front set of lights off and keep the back ones
on?
2. Is there a need a word processor for any of the students?
3. Even if you run out of time, try and take a little time to summarize what the students accomplished during the class period.

Commendations:
Recommendations:
What you said: Im writing, your writing, give me a thumbs up, do both of you have it written
down, hands on top. You cant call out, this is for 3 dojo points, I am going to give the entire
class dojo points for staying on task, I am going to let class dojo choose, 1,2,3 tell me, its
always better to try, hear me clap once.. please re-focus,
This observation was (x) Satisfactory, (x) Needs improvement.