Preparing a Narrative Description

Consider the following aspects of the class session observed. The observer should jot down brief descriptions, including concrete examples which support any conclusions.

Introduction-How adequately did the introduction set up the learning task for the students?

Motivation-To what extent did the instructor motivate and/or stimulate the students to learn?

Organization-To what degree did the organization, transition, etc., enhance the students’ understanding or aid taking coherent notes?

Clarity-How clear was the presentation?  To what extent did the use of examples, visuals, demonstrations, etc., clarify the content?

Coverage and Pacing-Was the detail and/or depth of information presented sufficient to understand the material and was the pacing appropriate?

Variation-What variety was noted in methods, content, voice, etc.?

Level-To what degree was the instruction multi-level and appropriate to the instructor’s objectives? 

Summarization-How was the instruction summarized and was the summary effective?

Accomplishment-What was the instructor trying to accomplish and to what extent was it accomplished?

Methods-To what extent were the teaching methods used appropriate to the instructor’s goals?

Other Comments-

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For Discussion or Interaction-Based Instruction:

Introduction-How adequately did the introduction set up the learning task for the students?

Motivation-To what extent did the instructor motivate and/or stimulate the students to learn?

Practice-To what extent were the students provided with an opportunity to practice the learning task?

Feedback-How appropriate was the feedback (positive and/or negative) which was provided to the students about this performance?

Interaction-Was the ratio and the kind of teacher talk (and other behavior) appropriate to student talk (and other behavior)? 

Variation-What variety was noted in methods, content, voice, etc.?

Level-To what degree was the instruction multi-level and appropriate to the instructor’s objectives? 

Summarization-How was the instruction summaries and was the summary effective?

Accomplishment-What do you think the instructor was trying to accomplish and to what extent do you think it was accomplished?

Methods-To what extent were the teaching methods appropriate to the instructor’s goals?

Other Comments-

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