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The consultants have developed an observation instrument that requires observers to do the
following:
(1) |
Record in narrative form the mathematical skills/concepts being covered (including noting whatever gets written out for the whole class or groups of students to see) over a 25-minute period that has been scheduled for math problem solving. |
(2) |
Record in narrative form several examples of question-answer interactions between teachers and students that take place during the 25-minute period. |
(3) |
Summarize the observation experience in terms of several key topics (e.g., stated goals, development of concepts, opportunities to participate, assessment methods) during the last 5 minutes of the visit. |
The consultants design a basic observation "log" form for recording the first two types of information.
Observers are expected to write notes on this form while the observation is taking place. For the third
type of information (observers’ summaries of what they saw pertaining to key topics), a second "topic"
form is developed that prompts observers to write comments and supporting evidence by topic categories.
Observers are expected to complete this form after the log observation is complete but before they leave
the classroom. Finally, it is agreed that observers will visit each teacher three times during the school
year and that each teacher’s data will be averaged over the three visits.
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