Observation+Protocol


 * What does the most engaging and effective instruction look like?**

//generated 9.8.10 from video observation//
 * connect to current/relevant events for students
 * use visual aid
 * positive during student interactions (positive, patient)
 * call on lots of students
 * acknowledge student responses, lead to better answer
 * anticipate student responses
 * use wait time
 * use varied instructional methods (not just lecture and questioning)
 * establish base knowledge (e.g. "mile a minute")
 * check for understanding
 * give students processing time before being called upon
 * use relevant set to focus students on topic
 * use student-friendly body language
 * scaffold student responses to encourage academic language

//generated 9.8.10 from group discussion//


 * Things related to routines:**
 * Structured class time (clear objectives, plan to get there)
 * a beg., middle, & end of lesson episode
 * flexible agenda (reteaching when necessary, teachable moments)
 * Teacher well prepared (materials ready, knowing where things are, routines are practiced)
 * Provide opportunities for varied learning styles to help all types of students (hands-on, auditory & visual...)
 * Allow time for reflection and processing so lessons can be committed to memory; (repetition, review games, reflecting, partner work, closure/summary activities, time)
 * environment (physical) conducive to learning (free from distraction, content-appropriate, safe, aids management)
 * positive (affect) learning environment (inviting for students, non-threatening, teacher body language)
 * teacher brings in outside resources such as interesting insight in the subject (e.g. unique information, stories, materials, etc.)
 * teacher demonstrates enthusiasm for subject
 * information is chunked into manageable bits
 * teacher provides opportunities for student questioning
 * higher level project over the long term (purpose, authenticity)
 * teacher provides logical step by step procedure (content, skills)
 * learning basics and then applying (scope, sequence, progression of skills)
 * showed an example first (providing models of behaviors, rubric first)
 * all students involved with objective/content (time on task)
 * clear behavioral objectives
 * routines for student behaviors are well-established (identified, taught, modeled, practiced, expected)


 * Things related to content or skills:**
 * clear purpose/big picture
 * //Group Work/Projects-teacher as a facilitator, limited interaction where students could learn and discover mostly on their own//
 * Short, but thorough instruction (avoid over-teaching, checking for understanding, realizing feedback)
 * Provide good background info (visuals, knowing subject, set)
 * Have an anchor or model (student products, content, skills)
 * relate content/skills to student experience
 * students talking with professionals/hands-on real content experiences


 * Things that are enacted on the spot:**
 * Varied learning styles to help all types of students (hands-on, auditory & visual...)
 * Learning more student directed, not as much teacher directed
 * Give lots of support, and permission to fail (positive reinforcement, allowing students to make mistakes/take risks, coaching to correct answers, making look good in front of peers)
 * Allow time for reflection and processing so lessons can be committed to memory; repetition
 * ** use state changes (10-2) **
 * stories - paint a picture first
 * ** encouragement to talk with others (peer work/group processing) **