COMPLETING OBSERVATION CYCLE FOR A TEACHER 1
Completing Observation Cycle for a Teacher
Lakeisha Boyd
EDUC 642
Liberty University
COMPLETING OBSERVATION CYCLE FOR A TEACHER 2
Pre-Observation Conference
The pre-observation conference takes place in Mr. Black’s classroom to provide him with
a familiar space where he feels comfortable. I review the lesson plans and ask Mr. Black a series
of questions in preparation for his upcoming observation. This observation will focus on
Professional Knowledge, Instructional Strategies, Differentiated Instruction, and Learning
Environment. The pre-observation conference questions will be used to prepare Mr. Black for
what I am looking for during the observation. After explaining the above information to Mr.
Black and reviewing his lesson plans, I asked him a series of questions and transcribed his
responses.
Evaluator: What is the objective of the lesson and how is it aligned to the state grade
level standards?
Mr. Black: The students will be able to identify types of dinosaurs as a cross-curricular
Science objective. The students will also be able to use manipulatives to add whole numbers
demonstrating an understanding of addition as putting together and subtraction as taking away
from.
Evaluator: How did you use assessment data to plan for this lesson?
Mr. Black: Students completed a preassessment at the beginning of the addition and
subtraction unit. I used the data from student performance to plan for the overall needs of the
students. I also designed this lesson using data from interest inventories and learning style
inventories completed at the beginning of the school year. Most of my students love animals and
are interested in dramatic play.
Evaluator: How will you monitor student progress during the lesson?
COMPLETING OBSERVATION CYCLE FOR A TEACHER 3
Mr. Black: Students will play a game called Dino Bingo using dice and dinosaur
manipulatives to add. During the whole group round of the game, students will record addition
problems created with their dinosaur manipulatives. I will assess student understanding and
identify misconceptions as I circulate the room.
Evaluator: How will you engage students?
Mr. Black: I will use a dinosaur puppet and a rolling number cube to keep the students
actively engaged during the lesson. Students will also be allowed to demonstrate their addition
strategies with dice on the smartboard. Students will also be allowed to play Dino Bingo with a
partner creating addition problems.
Evaluator: What processes and routines are used in your classroom to promote a positive
learning environment?
Mr. Black:
COMPLETING OBSERVATION CYCLE FOR A TEACHER 4
Observation
Georgia Department of Education
Teacher Keys of Effectiveness System
There was a display of confidence in
understanding the standard MGSEK.OA.1 and
being able to execute the lesson and answer
student questions. You demonstrated an
appropriate level of knowledge of dinosaurs to
direct questioning for identifying the mystery
dinosaur type.
The lesson was planned based on the desired
outcome for the standard taught. You were
obviously prepared by having manipulatives and
other supplies and resources readily available for
a smooth flow of the instruction and practice
opportunities.
COMPLETING OBSERVATION CYCLE FOR A TEACHER 5
You reviewed characteristics of the dinosaur to
activate prior knowledge. You used questioning
referencing a previous excavation experience.
You also solicited feedback and agreement from
the whole group. You used modeling to teach
the rules and procedures for playing the Dino-
Bingo game.
Students would benefit from peer collaboration
on mathematical skills and strategies.
There was little evidence of differentiation
during this lesson.
COMPLETING OBSERVATION CYCLE FOR A TEACHER 6
You assessed student understanding based on
verbal responses during the lesson and provided
corrective feedback for incorrect responses. You
also allowed peers to agree or respectfully
disagree with student answers. You used
interactive opportunities (“stand up”) for
responses to questioning.
You used student responses to guide follow-up
questions to check for understanding.
Further evidence of assessment uses is needed to
accurately evaluate this standard.
COMPLETING OBSERVATION CYCLE FOR A TEACHER 7
Student behavior was indicative of effective
classroom rituals and routines. You reminded
the students that you needed a “respectful
audience”. There was evidence of student
understanding of behavior expectations that
fosters a well-managed classroom environment
conducive to learning.
Questioning was presented to encourage thought
processing. Students were encouraged to create
addition problems during whole group
interactions.
COMPLETING OBSERVATION CYCLE FOR A TEACHER 8
Commendations: You have created a positive culture for learning in your classroom as
evidenced by the effort students displayed throughout the lesson. Students were actively engaged
in the activity and persevered through whole group and partner activities. Teacher to student and
The interactions with the students were
appropriate and mutually respectful. You exhibit
professional responsibility by making your
lesson plans available for the pre-observation
conference.
Directives were given to students at the end of
the lesson in a clear and age-appropriate manner.
The use of supportive and encouraging feedback
in an appropriate tone was a great display of
effective communication.
COMPLETING OBSERVATION CYCLE FOR A TEACHER 9
student to student interactions were friendly, respectful, and polite. Students were comfortable
taking risks in the whole group discussion as evidenced by their willingness to answer questions
and actively participate in the activities.
Areas Noted for Improvement: During the lesson, most of the questions you asked did
not challenge the students to explain their thinking. In the future, challenge students to think
critically and provide opportunities throughout the lesson for them to engage with their peers. It
would be beneficial to prepare higher-order thinking questions in advance to ensure that this
experience is provided for your students. It would also be beneficial to the learning environment
if you allow students to explain their answers and strategies to promote student dialogue.
Post-Observation Conference
The post-observation conference will begin with Mr. Black sharing his thoughts on how
he thinks the lesson went. He will explain what he thought went well and what areas he thinks he
can improve. He will also share where he might have had to make sporadic adjustments during
the lesson based on time and understanding of the students. I would share with Mr. Black that I
enjoyed the time that I spent observing the lesson. I would explain that he seemed
knowledgeable and confident during the lesson by teaching the skills necessary to lead to
mastery of the standard. We would discuss the success that was observed with student
engagement using the puppet, questioning, and interaction opportunities. I would go on to
explain to Mr. Black that I thought his attempt to integrate Science into the Math lesson was not
well executed. The two concepts were really still taught in isolation. We would discuss the need
for differentiation in the instructional practices. We would review the examples informal
assessment used during the lesson and the immediate feedback provided even when students
answered incorrectly. I shared with Mr. Black that the classroom environment was commendable
COMPLETING OBSERVATION CYCLE FOR A TEACHER 10
and conducive to learning providing students with a safe space to learn and grow. Following my
analysis of the observation data, I asked Mr. Black some reflective questions and transcribed his
responses.
Evaluator: Do you feel that the student objectives were met as a result of the instruction
provided during this observation? What are your next steps?
Mr. Black: I feel that the student objectives were met as a result of the instruction
provided during this observation. My next steps are to provide practice opportunities for the
students to apply the skills of using manipulatives to add. I also plan to provide intervention
activities for the students who are struggling with the skill and provide extension activities for
the students who are ready for more of a challenge.
Evaluator: As you reflect on the lesson observed, what changes would you make to your
instructional strategies?
Mr. Black: I think my students would benefit from higher-order thinking through the
implementation of higher-level questioning. I need to encourage the students to explain their
thinking and the strategies that they use to solve mathematical problems. I need to also promote
peer collaboration through the use of mathematical questioning with each other. I will also
research instructional strategies for cross-curricular instruction.
Evaluator: What support can I provide to help you in your professional growth?
Mr. Black: I could use support with differentiation strategies that would be best for my
students. I would also like to have the opportunity to observe a veteran teacher who uses higher-
level questioning and differentiation successfully and consistently.
COMPLETING OBSERVATION CYCLE FOR A TEACHER 11
Following the requests from Mr. Black, I would assure him that I will organize the
support he has requested to begin immediately. I would commend him on his positive classroom
environment where his students feel safe and eager to learn. I would also commend him on the
positive interactions between the teacher and students as well as the student-to-student
interactions. Finally, I would commend him on his creativity and use of imagination to keep the
students engaged with the puppet. The recommendations that I would make to Mr. Black include
the implementation of higher-level questions to promote critical thinking in the students. I would
also recommend introducing peer conversations during the lesson to promote mathematical
dialogue using mathematical question prompts. Lastly, I would recommend the inclusion of
differentiation during the instruction to ensure the inclusion of all students regardless of ability or
learning style. Based on the reflections made following this observation, I would inform Mr.
Black that his next observation will take place six weeks from now with a focus on higher-level
questioning and differentiation.
COMPLETING OBSERVATION CYCLE FOR A TEACHER 12
References
Forsyth County Schools. (2012). Walkthrough - Forsyth County Schools / Overview.
forsyth.k12.ga.us/WalkthroughForm.pdf.
https://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/cms/lib3/GA01000373/Centricity/Domain/27/Walkthrough
%20Form.pdf
