LESSON OBSERVATION FORM: FOSSIL RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL

CSU Student: Nathan Brandsma

Observer: Niall ODwyer
Date: 10/21/14
Class/Grade Level Observed: US History: Junior
Planning

The lesson plan is written and is readily *

available.
The lesson plan is well designed and contains all *
essential elements (objectives, standards,
materials, procedures, assessment)
The lesson plan show consistent alignment of *
objectives, strategies, and assessments with
standards.

The lesson plan reflects meaningful choices of *

content.

N/
O

Comments
Yes
Lesson objectives were posted
and visible
Yes, the activities required a
variety of skills, both higher
and lower order, which touched
upon on a wide range of State
standards
Bill
of
Rights
and
Washingtons Presidency and
Farewell address are important
topics. Timing was an issue as
all these topics could not be
addressed within the class
period. Nathan allowed good
conversations to develop which
affected the time

Organizing and Presenting Instruction

Demonstrates effective communicative skills.

Teaches in a creative, engaging, and appropriate *

manner.

Engages students in thinking and problem *

solving activities.
Presents information with poise and confidence.

Ensures a variety of teaching aids and materials *

are included regularly in instruction.

Provides instruction that is appropriate for varied *

needs and styles of learners.

Has made effort to learn all

students names and calls on a
wide variety of students to
answer questions
Yes, particularly the questions
regarding drawing an image to
represent the amendment and
creating a new one for today

Yes, students had to interpret

the amendments and relate to
modern life
Nathans strong command of
the content is the foundation
for his confident and clear
presentation. Very impressive
for a new teacher
Had photocopies of Bill of
Rights
and
Washingtons
Farewell address in addition to
worksheets for each student.
Yes, higher and lower order
skills were used. Visual and
creative senses were also

Utilizes technology as a teaching tool.

engaged
Supported
activities
with
appropriate images and also
used power point for coverage
of the Washington content

Classroom Management/Motivation
Provides specific feedback to students about *
behavior.

Asked for one voice when

students continued discussion
after appointed time, one
student continued to be a little
noisy, but was managed well.
Recognizes
students
contributions and is adept at
providing suggestions for
improvement, the former area
is one that Nathan can continue
to work on
Yes, but as the group
discussions developed the
challenge of keeping all
students engaged became
relevant. At times the students
need to be cajoled to get the
work finished.
Absolutely,
Nathan
is
approachable and students
shared openly and freely,
especially
as
the
class
developed.

Provides consistent support and encouragement *

to students.

Sets clear expectations for students.

Provides a classroom that is a safe environment *

for learning for all students.

Assessment
Monitors and provides feedback to students *
throughout the lesson.

Yes,
Nathan
used
his
impressive knowledge of the
topic to bring discussions back
to the core issues and was
adept at answering questions
and giving real world examples
Started lesson with an activity
designed to establish level of
students familiarity with the
Bill of Rights. Students work
was collected by teacher.
Yes, he tapped into a variety of
assessments, including some
creative options.

Utilizes, when appropriate, pre- and post- *

assessment to assess student growth &
improvement.

Utilizes a variety of assessment strategies *

throughout instruction and bases assessments on
course goals/objectives and standards.

Symbols:

Y = Yes

S = To Some Extent

N = No

N/0 = Not observed