Co-observation

Learning to see what's going on in a classroom through the lens of a professional educator is a critical skill. Observing a classroom together with a more experienced educator helps novice teachers learn what to pay attention to and to more productively interpret the complexity. With this in mind, during a co-observation you are focused on teaching, not the teacher. As [|Dr. Tom Bird explains], ". . . there is no way to learn from observing and participating in classroom activity without **assessing practices and their consequences**. But that is not the same as **evaluating persons and their competence**."

Steps for a co-observation:
 * 1) Select a focus for the co-observation from one of the following options:
 * 2) How is the learning environment managed?
 * 3) What opportunities for student engagement in learning are provided?
 * 4) How do specific students engage in the lesson?
 * 5) Ask permission from your CT to observe the classroom with your supervisor. Tell him/her your focus and explain that you and your supervisor will observe for 20 minutes and take notes related to the specific focus. Afterwards, you will discuss what you learned.
 * 6) Sit in close proximity to your supervisor and observe for 20 minutes, taking notes. You and your supervisor might occasionally whisper to each other, but be careful not to disturb the class.
 * 7) Leave the room and discuss what you learned with your supervisor for about 15 minutes.
 * 8) Complete the co-observation reflection and turn in to your course instructor. (Be sure your supervisor signs the form.)

Co-Observation Form