learning focused observations best leadership roundtable february 1 st, 2012
TRANSCRIPT
Learning Focused ObservationsBEST Leadership RoundtableFebruary 1st, 2012
So far, my experience as a mentor has/has not been like a _______________ because _____________________.
Ways that you are supporting the growth of your early career teacher…
1. Meeting regularly to engage in professional dialogue focused on the needs of the teacher.
2. Engaging the early career in at least one classroom observation. *
3. Helping the early career teacher establish a professional goal and take the steps toward accomplishing that goal through the PGP process.
Goals Learn about the effective protocols to
utilize before, during, and after classroom observations
Explore resources available for supporting your work as a mentor
Network with other mentor colleagues Engage in a question/answer session
“Information is pretty thin stuff unless it is mixed with experience.” --Clarence Day
Benefits of Learning Focused Observation… the opportunity for reflective dialogue with and
among teachers an increased focus on student achievement participation in a professional and collaborative
learning community enriched teacher efficacy improvement of classroom practices support from an "expert" (peer) who
understands the daily demands of the classroom reduced job stress a welcoming atmosphere for new teachers the comfort of knowing that someone is
available to help, explain, and assist.
Three kinds of observation Mentor teacher observes the early
career teacher to provide feedback on a specific area of focus (PGP goal)
Early career teacher observes the mentor teacher to see a specific method in action
Mentor and early career teacher observe another teacher together with an emphasis on PGP goal
At your site… What kind of observation do you
anticipate participating in with your mentee?
Before the observation: Observing another teacher
Contact the cooperating teacher well in advance Make the teacher aware of the mentee’s focus for the
observation Share the norms you will be adhering to during the
observation Send a reminder notice the day before the observation Check in at the office the day of the observation Arrive about 15 minutes before the start of class in
order to meet the teacher, find a place for your things that is out of the way, and allow a few moments for discussion before the observation. Some mentees like to take photos of the classroom during this time.
Note that anything longer than a half day observation tends to be overwhelming for everyone
Questions to focus the observation: mentee observing mentor or third party teacher…
1. As you think about your own professional goal(s), what do you most want to focus on during our upcoming observation?
2. What do you want to be the most aware of as you observe the teacher?
3. What do you want to be the most aware of as you observe the students?
4. What will you be paying attention to in the learning environment?
5. In what ways might this observation influence your student’s work?
DURING THE OBSERVATION: Norms for a learning focused observation
Leave no trace Silence is Golden Honor the Lab teacher Take notes This is not your time to teach
DURING THE OBSERVATION:Gathering Information
WhatRecord
important concepts
So WhatWhy is this
important to you? What are the
implications to your teaching?
Now What?What action steps
will you take to implement your new
thinking?
AFTER THE OBSERVATION:Logistics
If possible, leave a thank you note on the teacher’s desk as you leave signed by both of you and noting some significant learning from the observation.
Plan to de-brief the observation as soon as possible
Plan to meet in a neutral, relaxed environment if possible
Use the notes from the observation as the focal point of the de-brief
Send a brief note or email to the building principal
AFTER THE OBSERVATION:THE DE-BRIEF
1. As you think about your learning goal, what are some of the most significant take aways for you?
2. What surprised you during the observation?3. How has your thinking changed about ____?4. If you were to prioritize all that you saw
today, what strategies/methods are you most interested in making a part of your practice?
5. What action steps will you need to take in order to make that happen?
6. How can I assist you with implementing these strategies?
Questions/comments about the mentee observing the mentor or third party teacher…..
BEFORE THE OBSERVATION—Observing the MenteeLogistics
Establish that this observation is NON-EVALUATIVE and is strictly for the benefit of the teacher and his/her students
Establish a date and time that works for both mentor and mentee
Advise the mentee to let his/her students know that you will be visiting and the purpose of the visit (life long learning!)
Establish a focus for the observation: what data will be collected and why (PGP)
Share the norms that you will adhere to during the observation
BEFORE THE OBSERVATION: OBSERVING THE MENTEEQuestions to ask before the observation
How can I be of help to you?
What specifically do you wish me to look for?
What specifically do you wish me to know?
Is there a particular student you would like me to watch?
What are your objectives and expectations for the lesson?
How long would you like me to observe?
When can we get together after the lesson?
DURING THE OBSERVATION:Tips for gathering data
Some things you are doing which support student learning…
Some things to think about… (never more than 2-3)
I’m curious about…
AFTER THE OBSERVATION: OBSERVING THE MENTEEConducting the debrief
Leave a copy of your note taking/data gathering sheet in on the teacher’s desk (face down) along with a personal note of thanks or encouragement.
Debrief the observation as soon as possible
Make sure the mentee’s voice is the most prevalent in the conversation
Focus on what went well Frame all suggestions in a positive,
inviting manner
AFTER THE OBSERVATION: OBSERVING THE MENTEEQuestions for the Debrief
1. How do you think the lesson went?
2. Can you recall what the students were doing that made you feel
this way? 3. What do you remember about what you did or the
strategies you used?
4. How does this compare with what you expected would happen?
5. What could be some reasons it happened this way?
6. Would you like me to share what I observed?
At your site…
Please discuss the questions at the right and choose a spokesperson to share key points with the larger group.
1. What will the observation experience look like for the mentees that you are serving? (Specifically who will be observed and what might be the focus?)
2. How might this information support your work as you engage in an observation with your mentee?
Recipe for a learning focused observation
With the people at your site, please take 3 minutes to create a recipe for a great learning focused observation. We will share these with the larger group.
Mentoring resourceswww.esd101.net
AT YOUR SITEPlease respond to the prompt at the right and choose a “spokesperson” to share the thinking of your team with the larger group.
3 New pieces of information
2 Things you would like to try
1Question you have about
your role as a mentor