What is a classroom observation checklist?
An obversation checklist consists of a series of questions about the behavior of teachers and students in a classroom environment, are evaluated using a: class observation form. The class observation form helps an observer to identify skill gaps and problem areas in order to further improve teaching strategies, classrooms and student learning outcomes, the same as any child observation report.
This article provides information on the following topics:
1. Specific observation checklists for classrooms
2. A digital solution that simplifies a observation checklist
Specific Observation Checklists for Classrooms
There are two typical types of observation checklists in schools. One type focuses on the teacher, the other on the students. Common to both types of classroom observation checklists is that they consist of a list of questions that an observer must answer when observing and assessing the teacher’s skills and classroom functioning.
1. An Observation checklist for teachers
School administrations use a teacher observation checklist to assess teachers’ performance and ensure that teaching methods are effective and meet school standards. A checklist for class observation is a tool used by school administrations to ensure that students are provided with a positive and supportive learning environment.
Below is a list of key areas that are central to a checklist for class observation:
I. Effective planning
This includes the teacher’s preparation in relation to the subject matter: Are materials available and well organised?
- Clear structure of the lessons
- High proportion of real learning time
- A climate conducive to learning
II. Teaching techniques
This refers to the teacher’s approach to and communication of topics.
- Clear content
- Variety of methods
- Individual conveying
- Intelligent practice
- Transparent performance expectation
III. Relation between students and teacher
This concerns the way the teacher interacts academically with his students.
- Constructive feedback
- Acceptance of weak students
IV. Environment
This includes the equipment and furnishing of the classroom.
- Tidy and inviting learning environment
- Age-appropriate design of the classroom
V. Class structure
This refers to the structure of the class and the implementation of tasks in the class association.
- Checking presence
- Hang out the timetable
- Put up the cleaning plan
2. Observation checklist for students
A observation checklist for students is used to conduct an individual or group assessment of students in terms of their behavior and classroom interactions. Based on the results, teachers can examine and adapt their learning methods to meet the learning needs of their students. It also provides the opportunity to correct disruptive behaviour.
The most important areas to consider when observing students:
I. Academic, teaching-related behaviour
Here the working habits and organisational skills of the students are checked.
II. Social behaviour
This refers to the student’s interaction with other people in the school.
Is the student friendly and respectful towards adults and students?
Does he interact appropriately with peers in the academic environment?
III. General behaviour and conduct
This area refers to the general behaviour of the student.
Is the student in the class a troublemaker?
What is his attention span?
How actively does he participate in class?
What is lumiform and how does it help with class observation?
Lumiform is a powerful mobile checklist app that allows observers to discreetly collect information. Ready-made, digital observation checklists can be filled out at any time and from anywhere. With Lumiform, the paperwork has come to an end. Schools and teachers benefit from the following advantages when they decide to use mobile technology:
- Planning a class observation using a checklist at an early stage and being informed about missing observations.
- Write comments on the questions to better describe identified problems.
- Respond immediately to urgent problems and initiate and follow up corrective actions immediately.
- Reports are created automatically – this saves the complete postprocessing.
- Observation checklists and classroom observation reports are safely stored in the cloud.
