Classroom Observation

Classroom observation can be scheduled as part of the individual consultation process or in order to provide documentation that might be used for applications for teaching awards, tenure, etc.

How does individual classroom observation work?

Pre-observation meeting: Prior to the observation, you will schedule a meeting with the CTL learning experience designer who will be observing your class. The purpose of this meeting is to create a context for the LxD regarding your instruction style, goals, teaching experience, students, typical class activities, departmental requirements, etc. You might also identify specific concerns you would like the LxD to focus on while observing your class. You may be asked to bring materials such as your syllabus, text, exams, and/or past student evaluations to help the LxD better understand your objectives.

Prior to the meeting please complete the pre-observation form. Reflecting on these questions prior to the meeting should help you focus on your goals for the observation, and your answers will help us develop an understanding of you and the context for the observation.

Classroom observation: While observing your class, the learning experience designer will take descriptive notes on the nature of instruction and engagement in the class. If desired, the classroom session can also be recorded.

Post-observation meeting: After the observation, you will meet one-to-one with the LxD to discuss their observations. The LxD may ask questions such as:

• What did you hope students would get from the class?
• How do you know whether they did or didn't learn this?
• In what ways was this a typical/atypical session?
• What didn't go according to plan?

If the observation was part of the individual consultation process, at this meeting you and the LxD might consider one or two points on which you'd like to focus. Some examples are:

• Interaction/rapport
• Organization/clarity
• Presentation/delivery
• Student participation/activities

Together with the LxD, you can create an informal "action plan" and options for follow-up observations. Consultations typically continue until you feel that your needs have been met. Sometimes the LxD will work with you to schedule a mid-semester evaluation so that you can receive feedback from the students prior to the end of the semester.

For more information or to schedule an observation, email ctl@sfasu.edu.