EDUC 5312-Curriculum and Instructional Design

Classroom Observation Assignment

Observation Form 1

Observation Date: 12/04/2019 Observation Time: 45 minutes

Teacher Observed: Subject/Grade Level: Physics/Grade 11

School Observed: Observer: Zumrut Dede

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

Objectives and agenda were posted. These are the state objectives and learning objectives from his lesson
plan:

TEKS: ⓇPHYS.4D Calculate the effect of forces on objects including the law of inertia, the relationship
between force and acceleration, and the nature of force pairs between objects.

Ⓢ PHYS.4E Develop and interpret free-body force diagrams

Objective/Purpose: (Determined by the district and state standards)

Determine the net external force an object

- Interpret and construct a free-body diagram

- Explain the relationship b/w the motion of an object and the net force acting the object

- Describe an objects' acceleration in terms of its mass and the net force acting on it

- Predict the direction and magnitude of the acceleration caused by a known net force"

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

At the beginning, he shortly went over what they were going to do that day and a student handed
out papers. Then he asked a question to the class. After a few answers from the students he
reviewed the previous lesson topic using a short presentation. Then he explained what they were
going to do next.

At the end, he showed a video to explain the misconceptions with the last question. Then he
stopped the video and revised the topic making comments and clarifications.
3-What did the teacher use for teaching materials or instructional aids/equipment?

He used the computer, projector, white board and blank papers for the group discussion.

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)

He used lecturing, inquiry, discussion and cooperative learning strategies.

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

He used formative, summative and feedback assessment.

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

He combined lecturing with student centered techniques of discussion, inquiry and cooperative
learning.

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

The lesson was structured in a flawing manner. There was no pause or now what moments. The
directions were clear. Verbal warnings were given during group discussion when the students
were loud.

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?

While each group’s answer was being read out some students from other groups were talking.
The teacher had to warn them orally to listen and pay attention to their friends.

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?)
Mostly verbal, vocal and facial expressions were used.

10-Who were the students in the class? What did you notice about them? (Background,
diversity, attitude, motivation, interaction, participation, etc)

It was a diverse class and they seemed coming from different backgrounds. Except a few
students, in general, they seemed motivated and trying to participate actively during the lesson.

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

Asking challenging questions and short but on time comments that need critical thinking were
effective and raising the interest of the students. Also, using videos and presentation with figures
and daily life examples caught students’ attention. During group discussion questions some
students did not show much personal commitment and left it to the other members even though
they were small groups.

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

I liked the attention-grabbing questions and short comments that wake the students up.

It was a science class and most of the time students are not able to connect science with daily life
so using visuals like videos or figures which show how science in our lives was an effective
method that I also liked.

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

I believe, having a flawing lesson that has no unclear pauses by providing clear instructions to
direct the students for each step was effective. And this was practiced in a natural and confident
way that I would like to apply in my classes.

The other thing is the relation between the students and the teacher. It seemed like he gained the
respect and the trust of the students so actually he did not do much except a few warnings. There
was a natural respectful environment in the class. So, I would like to have such a learning
atmosphere in my classes.