PEER OBSERVATION

ENVIRONMENT
Date:
23.05.13
Teacher observed:
Margarita Sandoval

Class:
Intermediate

REPORT

Level of class:
B1
Institution:
IED Compartir

THE

LEARNING

Observers name:
Albedro Cadena

You should write between 100 and 200 words.

This piece of writing is not assessed but it is an essential part of your
portfolio.
Use the following questions to help you evaluate the observation in terms
of your own professional development.
Continue on the other side of this page if necessary
Refer to the questions 2 to 5 and reflection in Classroom Observation Tasks page 61 to
help you write the report.
The sixth peer observation helped me realize that a favourable learning
environment can easily outweigh the physical limitations that teachers may encounter in
their educational institutions. In my personal case, classrooms are generally spacious,
well-equipped -with cutting edge aids and allow learners to seat comfortably. However,
from time to time we may be assigned tiny rooms with large groups due to some space
limitations we face in rush hours. I may have transmitted some discomfort about such
situations in some of my classes. In contrast, by observing this teacher I noticed that
she had successfully adapted her lesson to work under adverse conditions. This makes
me think that I normally plan my lessons without taking into consideration some critical
conditions, which instead, may turn into opportunities that favour the ambience in the
classroom. Next time I work in a small room, I will take advantage to keep my attention
evenly spread over all learners. I will have them work collaboratively and plan activities
which require changing learners positions with moderate moves. I will also promote
taking turns to speak so that everyone can be heard avoiding disruptive behaviours.
Lastly, being closer to one another means having more opportunities to exchange
views, increase attention span, learn and assist one another.

Comment [CC1]: Lovely

Comment [CC2]: Dear Albedro,

I really enjoyed reading your reflection. As you
explained, there are some educators who have
difficult teaching conditions and they still manage
teach wonderful lessons.
I am glad you have acquired a wider view in order
provide learners with a safe learning atmosphere in
which every student plays an active role within yo
lesson.

PEER

OBSERVATION

TASK

No.

THE

LEARNING

ENVIRONMENT
Date:
23.05.13
Teacher observed:
Margarita Sandoval

Class:
B1

Level of class:

Observers name:
Albedro Cadena

Institution:
IED Compartir

For this task you should consult:

Classroom Observation Tasks. Pages 58 - 61

Wajnryb, R. (1992) Cambridge University Press.

3.1a Affective factors in the learning environment (from Wajnryb, 1992: 60)

Factor / item

Memory jog

The room is too small to work with 43 students.

Allow all learners to be closer
Classmates took turns to speak.
Collaborative work was
enhanced
The teacher managed to observe all of the learners.
Learners stayed on task and did not end up talking about other non- Attention was spread
related topics.
Higher rapport
Learners worked individually, with the partner next to, and with their
Learners seemed more united.
pair next to. They did not need to move around much.
Time was managed effectively.
Some doubts and questions were solved by classmates nearby and
far away (though no one was far away).
Learners used the corners of the room to show their presentations
and rotated to check other groups.
3.1b Graph of student's concentration pattern over 12 minutes (from Wajnryb, 1992: 60)

high
c
o
n
c
e
n
t
r
a
t
I
o
n
low
3

6 minutes

12
Time

3.1c Categorise (from Wajnryb, 1992: 61)

A
Physical conditions

B
Teachers behaviour

C
Patterns of interaction

D
Students response

Small room
Appropriate
ventilation
Good lightning

Shows a positive
attitude.
Avoids having
learners move or
advance in a long
distance.
Promotes group work
with nearby peers.

T-S
S-T
S-S
S-S-S
S-S-S-S
Ss-Ss

Highly participative
Highly motivated
Willing to assist their
peers