Peer Observations

On of your duties as an instructor in our Writing Program is to arrange to have one of your peers observe your class and provide some professional feedback. In return, you may be asked to observe a class or classes taught by one of your colleagues. In order to help you fulfill this part of your job description, we would like to provide the following observation instrument, as well as some tips for conducting classroom observations.

Classroom Ethnography
(Adapted from An Unquiet Pedagogy by Ruth Fennick, Janice Neuleib, Maurice Scharton and Claire Lamonica)

An ethnographer observes as objectively as possible. The first intention should be to discover the classroom culture, not to influence or judge it. Of course, personal experiences inevitably color what we "read" in any environment, but as you answer the questions below, strive to "describe" and "reflect" rather than "analyze" or "evaluate."

1. Have the instructor and/or the students done anything to make this room their "own"? Describe what you see. (This could include anything from the use of various colored markers on the white board to the rearrangement of chairs.)

2. In what tasks were the students engaged on the day you visited? In what tasks was the instructor engaged? What do these tasks suggest about the classroom culture ?

3. How were blackboards, whiteboards, computers, overheads used?

4. Record one exchange in the classroom. How does meaning grow or flow? Who controls the interaction?

5. How do the activities work together in sequence? If possible, look at a week's activities and comment.

6. Before you begin your observation, speak with the teacher about her or his teaching philosophy. (Experienced instructors may be able to provide written copies from their teaching portfolios.) In what ways does what you observed during your visit reflect or fail to reflect this philosophy?

7. Speak with a student or several students. Ask what they think went on in the class and the purpose of the activities.

8. What students would you study more closely in a follow-up observation? Why?

9. Consider all your notes and observations. Do you see patterns? What do you generally conclude about the observations you have made?

10. What suggestions would you make for future observations?

Tips for Hosting and Conducting Classroom Observations

1. Arrange the observation at a time that is most convenient for both the instructor and the observer. (This is called "stating the obvious.") Schedule the observation well in advance of the actual date (at least two weeks).

2. If you are the instructor being observed, arrange to provide the observer with the following materials:

3. If you are the observer, find time to review all these materials before you conduct your observation.

4. If you are the observer, be sure to arrive before the start of class. Ask where you can sit so you will be out of the way.

5. If you are the instructor, introduce the observer to your class. Just say, "This is (name). S/he will be observing our class today." You don't need to elaborate.

6. If you are the observer, maintain a high level of professionalism. Take notes discretely and in a manner that insures confidentiality.

7. If you are the observer, complete your ethnography promptly (within 48 hours) and arrange to meet with the instructor to discuss it.

8. If you are the observer, conduct the follow-up session in a positive manner. Describe what you saw and share your reflections. Don't critique. Allow the instructor to ask questions and answer them in a professional manner.

9. If you are the instructor, be sure to thank the observer for his/her time. Take time to reflect on the observation.