Observation Reflection
ENGL 4790
McDowell
Observation Reflection
You are to pick a middle school or high school and observe one 40-60 class period. Be sure to pick a course that is either dedicated to teaching writing/composition (HS level) or a combined ELA course (MS level). Contact the teacher in advance to find a time that is most convenient and also to ensure that you will be able to observe the students and teacher at work (in other words, make sure you don’t observe a testing day). You are welcome to visit a school from your hometown if that is more convenient for you. There is also a list of schools in the Kalamazoo area listed for your convenience.
Take extensive and thorough notes on your observations. Pay close attention to what the teacher says, what the students say. Describe the classroom environment (arrangements, bulletin boards, etc.) Look for examples of writing strategies discussed in our 4790 class, or for “missed opportunities” to apply those strategies. Pay attention to textbooks, writing prompts, student activity, etc. Are students interacting with the teacher? With each other? What CCSS are being addressed in the lesson? What best practice strategies are in use? What are some methods of best practice are missing, yet applicable?
Try to interview a few students while you are there and examine some of their writing.
You should also set up a time to interview the teacher outside of the observation.
You will turn these notes in along with a 4-6 page observation. Take the time to respond to your observations and how they compare to the issues and best practices we have covered in class.
McDowell
Observation Reflection
You are to pick a middle school or high school and observe one 40-60 class period. Be sure to pick a course that is either dedicated to teaching writing/composition (HS level) or a combined ELA course (MS level). Contact the teacher in advance to find a time that is most convenient and also to ensure that you will be able to observe the students and teacher at work (in other words, make sure you don’t observe a testing day). You are welcome to visit a school from your hometown if that is more convenient for you. There is also a list of schools in the Kalamazoo area listed for your convenience.
Take extensive and thorough notes on your observations. Pay close attention to what the teacher says, what the students say. Describe the classroom environment (arrangements, bulletin boards, etc.) Look for examples of writing strategies discussed in our 4790 class, or for “missed opportunities” to apply those strategies. Pay attention to textbooks, writing prompts, student activity, etc. Are students interacting with the teacher? With each other? What CCSS are being addressed in the lesson? What best practice strategies are in use? What are some methods of best practice are missing, yet applicable?
Try to interview a few students while you are there and examine some of their writing.
You should also set up a time to interview the teacher outside of the observation.
You will turn these notes in along with a 4-6 page observation. Take the time to respond to your observations and how they compare to the issues and best practices we have covered in class.