Tool: Recording classroom interactions*
This tool can be useful for documenting current practices and selecting target areas for improvement. It addresses quality of interaction, pacing, speaking and rapport. Select one or more focus areas to record events and examples.
Quality of interaction |
Not observed |
Sometimes |
Consistently |
Praises student answers |
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Uses probing questions to build on answers |
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Asks questions to entire class |
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Answers questions clearly and directly |
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Refrains from answering own questions |
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Encourages students to answer each other’s questions |
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Encourages students to answer difficult questions by providing cues |
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Constructively admits error or insufficient knowledge (e.g., suggests options for finding correct information) |
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Respects and encourages different points of view |
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Integrates students’ ideas into class |
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Guides students when they make errors |
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Provides ample demonstrations |
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Comments/Examples:
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Pacing |
Not observed |
Sometimes |
Consistently |
Asks/checks understanding before moving to next topic |
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Covers an appropriate amount of material |
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Comments/Examples:
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Speaking |
Not observed |
Sometimes |
Consistently |
Speaks in appropriate tone and volume and pace |
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Speaks clearly (does not slur, say “um” or “uh” or “you know") |
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Speaks with expressive manner (not monotone) |
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Uses appropriate (non-distracting) gestures |
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Maintains eye contact with students |
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Uses respectful and easy to understand language |
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Comments/Examples:
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Rapport
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Not observed |
Sometimes |
Consistently |
Encourages student feedback |
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Responds constructively to student opinions/contributions |
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Responds constructively and respectfully to student misunderstanding or confusion |
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Treats students/class equitably |
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Listens closely to student comments, contributions, concerns |
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Encourages mutual respect, honesty and integrity among class members |
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Comments/Examples:
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*Adapted from Classroom Peer Observation Checklist from the Center for Teaching and Learning website. Retrieved 3/23/04 but no longer online.
Also in RTF for editing and PDF for printing
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