EDUC 5312/3315-Curriculum and Instructional Design

Classroom Observation Assignment

Observation Form 1

Observation Date: March 23, 2017____________ Observation Time: 45minutes______

Teacher Observed: Mrs. Erica Nigrelli_English Teacher Subject/Grade Level English II

School Observed: Elkins High School __________Observer: Mabel Ortiz

1-What was/were the learning objectives/outcomes of the lesson? (Add state objectives if
known, for example, TEKS 111.4. Grade 2.b.)

Preparation for STAAR test, persuasive rubric essay rubric packet

2-How did the teacher begin and end the lesson?

At the beginning of the classroom the teacher gave the agenda for the period, and give the
students information about their future assignments; at the end of the period she explained the
students the homework assignment and whatever the students at the class time, they will have to
do it at home.

3-What did the teacher use for teaching materials or instructional aids/equipment?

Handouts with rubrics/ essay examples/ worksheet.

Computer and projector to the white board.

4-Which instructional methods and strategies did the teacher use? ( lecture, inquiry,
discovery learning, discussions, games or simulations, demonstrations, cooperative learning,
integration of technology, socrative questioning, etc)

The teacher used direct instruction, demonstration and group discussion; she explains the rubric/
answer handout to the students, the students listen to her until she finish, she asked them if they
have questions to her; the teacher explanation consists in the process of making a persuasive/
argumentative essay, and the rubric format that is used to check the essay. After, the practice of
the lesson, she encourages the students participation to discuss their answers that they did
individually.
5-How did the teacher assess learning? (informal, formal, formative, summative, oral, open-
ended, quiz, feedback etc) See Chapter 8 for more information on assessment methods

They will have to turn in the following day of class their persuasive/argumentative essay.

6- What can you say about the teachers philosophy/beliefs and style?
(Traditional/progressive, behaviorist, student-centered vs. teacher centered, authoritative etc)

I observed her class a few times ago, and I really like her style, she is always prepares for the
lessons, her voice is loud and clear, and her style is more traditional and direct instruction
because I observed that she explains the lesson, and after that she asks for questions, or
encourage the students to take part in the discussion, also, when she explains something, she
gives very good examples that the students will understand her.

7-How does the teacher manage classroom? Can you identify classroom management
techniques used?

She has a very good tone of voice and sound very authoritative when she gives the lecture. Also,
when she lectures or read something, she explains later; she gives activities in the classroom for
the students, so they will not get bored during their time in the classroom. She has procedures
and rules established, and she put them at the wall in front of the classroom, so the students can
read it and know what to do without asking her. I believe this help to keep up the order in the
classroom. Also, when she heard someone talking loudly, she immediately takes care of the
disruptive behavior without hesitating.

8-Observe in the classroom setting and determine types of behavior students play when off-
task. What do they do when they are not paying attention? How does the teacher re-direct
them or get them back on task?

I observed that the students desk are arranged in half circle and the teacher's desk and chair are
high, so she can see them very well from her desk and far. When someone disrupt the classroom,
she takes care of the person verbally and immediately in a respectful way.

9-How does the teacher communicate with students (verbal, vocal, meta-verbal or non-verbal
communication such as facial, body language, use of space, motion and time?)

She used verbal direct communication with the students, her tone of voice is loud and clear, so
they put her attention when she speaks to them, also, she is very respectful.

10-Who were the students in the class? What did you notice about them? (Background,
diversity, attitude, motivation, interaction, participation, etc)
The class has 26 students half boys and girls, most of the students are African-American, Indian
or Pakistan roots, also Hispanics, and about 4 or 5 white Americans. Most of the students are
participating and putting attention to the lecture, and they do what the teacher tells them to do.

11-What did you see that is effective in engaging students? What do you see that is
ineffective in keeping students engaged?

It is effective to have a good tone of voice and be clear in explaining something, also give
examples that the students will help them to understand the lecture. Moreover, one thing
important is alternate the lecture, explanation and class exercises, on the contrary, the students
will get bored during the lecture or lesson.

12-What are the two instructional strategies you observed and would like to apply in your
classroom?

I like the way she teach the lesson in the classroom, I observed her before, and I like when she
read the book or explain the material with a clear explanation and simple words that the students
will be able to understand.

13-What are two important classroom management strategies that you observed and would
like to apply in your classroom?

In my opinion, the teacher's body language and tone of voice help a lot to control the classroom,
I want to have the same authoritative behavior in front of the classroom besides having rules and
procedures. The students can perceive that when you are in control. Also, without making a big
deal in the classroom, taking at the moment any disruptive behavior, without disturbing the class
lecture.