What happens during a typical observation?
Observations consist of three components, all of which are intended to foster student teachers’ reflection on their practice. The Pre-Observation Conference, roughly 20 minutes, is conducted immediately before the observed teaching. This conference is structured by the Pre-Observation Form (see Pre-Observation Form under this menu heading). This form should be fully and thoughtfully completed and ready for the field instructor upon arrival. Next is the Observation, usually a full class period, during which the field instructor sits back and takes notes. The student teacher should introduce the field instructor to members of the class. Finally, the Post-Observation Conference, 45-60 minutes, is best conducted immediately after the observation. This meeting gives substantial attention to the student teacher’s reflection on the lesson, and is not intended as a one-way report from field instructor to student teacher.
