The observer is expected to record on the "log" form in real time so as to capture the level of detail required. To the extent that a teacher’s verbal instruction becomes fast-paced (as may happen with question-answer interactions, in particular), it may be challenging to keep up with events. If it becomes impossible to record major events, the observer may have to characterize some events broadly and capture most (but not all) episodes as examples. When the observer completes the "topic" form, this will be post hoc recording. It is his or her chance to summarize what has occurred after the fact, selecting key narrative episodes from the log as supporting evidence. Although the hope is that the observer will be able to complete the topic form before he or she leaves the classroom (so that everything will be fresh in memory), there will be the option of fine-tuning the form later.

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