IDC 123: Effective Observation Tips

Where can I observe?

Students enrolled in IDC 123 will complete 25 hours with a certified NJ State special education
teacher. Students can choose to observe within the following environments:

1. Integrated environment (one special education and one general education teacher that co-
teach)
2. Self-contained environment (one special education teacher and all special education
students)
3. Resource room environment (one special education teacher works with small groups of
classified children)
4. Specialized school that is designed for special education students with more severe
disabilities.

What should I bring to the observation?

Students should be on-time and dressed appropriately. If you cannot make it to your observation
because of a legitimate reason, you must let the school know immediately. Students should
bring a notebook and a writing utensil. Make sure your cell phone is turned off or on silent.

What should I do during my observation hours?

Students should engage in effective observation. They should be watching the teacher and the
children as they engage in their normal activity. Avoid using childrens names in your notebook.
You can give them a different name or refer to them by an appropriate characteristic (i.e. the boy
with the yellow shirt). Students may interact with children in the classroom at the teachers
discretion. Please speak to your cooperating teacher(s) before you start observing to establish
ground rules. Ask the teacher if you can interact with children or if they prefer that you just
observe. Let the teacher know what you are comfortable doing. Always be professional!

During the observation you should bullet key themes you are observing. Use the attached
template for every observation. Avoid writing out exactly what you see. This may cause you to
miss other events that are occurring.

Here is a list of key themes to look for:

1. Differentiated instruction (How did the teacher modify his/her instruction to meet the
individual needs of each child?)
2. Classroom environment (How did the teacher manage their classroom? Did they use PBS
strategies?)
3. Communication with children (How did the teacher communicate ideas, directions, etc. to
the whole class and/or to individual students?)
4. Classroom layout (How was the room organized? Was it easy to move around?)
5. Classroom engagement (Were the children paying attention? What did the teacher do or not
do in terms of engaging the students)
6. Special education services (This may be a harder theme to observe because of confidentiality.
However, did you notice paraprofessionals in the room? Did any related service providers
conduct their sessions with children in the classroom? Did students use modified materials or
have a behavior plan?)
7. Response to Intervention (How was RTI conducted in the classroom?)
8. Teacher and student motivation (Was the teacher enthusiastic? Did the students appear
motivated to learn?)
9. What are your overall impressions of the class?

Make sure to complete your Time Sheet and have the teacher sign for each observation that you
conduct.
 Observation Log

Date: ______________
Hours Completed: _________________
Key Theme Observation

Differentiated instruction

Classroom environment

Communication with children

Classroom layout

Classroom engagement
Special education services

Response to Intervention

Teacher and student motivation

What are your overall impressions of the

class?