What Should I be Observing?
Are you unsure as to what to focus on while you are observing your mentor teacher?
If you answered YES, then this learning module will help you as you embark upon your field based practicum experience.
According to Gary Borich, there are eight different areas to focus your observation so your internship experience will be more meaningful. These eight areas have been found by researchers to be related to desirable cognitive, social, and emotional outcomes in learners. This module will teach you how to decide what to observe, how to effectively and efficiently observe in the classroom, and how to apply what you have learned through observation to grow as a reflective teacher. In addition, the module provides methodological concepts, observation instruments (see checklists provided on Laulima), and one dialogue (Ms. Koker) designed to help you see and practice research-based patterns of effective teaching.
The Eight Lenses of Observation include:
1. Learning climate
2. Classroom management
3. Lesson clarity
4. Instructional variety
5. Task orientation
6. Student engagement
7. Student success
8. Higher thought process
Next, go back to the Laulima Home Page and scroll through the menu bar. Click on Resources. Next Click on "Module #1 Materials". Print or Download all files. You will be using all checklists while observing in your OP classroom throughout the semester. The more you use these tools the more engaged and reflective you will become. Read each checklist and familiarize yourself with the 8 lens concepts.