Example Student Teacher Observation Checklist

To prepare yourself for a student teacher role, familiarize yourself with the roles and responsibilities of a student teacher. The experience is rewarding, demanding, and depends on periods of review from other teachers and administrators. These general checklists closely align to ones a student teacher would encounter in the field from college professors and mentoring educators.   Classroom Observation by Cooperating Teacher Here you will find a question or statement followed by specific areas the cooperating teacher will be observing the student teacher on. 1. Is the student teacher prepared? Do they have an organized, detailed lesson plan and all materials needed? 2. Do they have knowledge of the subject matter and a purpose? Can the student teacher answer students questions? Can he/she motivate students to peak their interest in the subject matter? 3. Can the student teacher control students' behavior? Keep their attentionInvolve students in the lessonStop lesson when neededAware of individual needsProvide positive reinforcement 4. Does the student teacher stay on topic? Do they follow a logical sequence? 5. Is the student teacher enthusiastic about the lesson they are teaching? Are students excited shown through class participation and behavior?Are the activities appropriate? 6. Does the student teacher have the ability to: Stay on topic?Give directions?Reach objectives?Vary questions?Involve students?Encourage participation and thinking?Summarize lesson? 7. Is the student teacher able to present: Enthusiasm?Details?Flexibility?Speech and grammar? 8. Do students actively participate in class activities and discussions? Are students attentive and interested?Are students cooperative and responsive? 9. How do the students respond to the student teacher? Do they follow directions?Do they display understanding?Are they respectful? 10. Does the teacher communicate effectively? Provide visual aidsTone of voice Areas of Observation by College Supervisor Here you will find several topics that can be observed during a single lesson. 1. General appearance and demeanor Dresses appropriatelyGood posture, animation, and smiles 2. Preparation Provides and follows a lesson planHas knowledge of the materialIs organizedIs creativeProvides teaching aids 3. Attitude towards the classroom Respects studentsListens to studentsEnthusiasticDisplays a sense of humorHas patience and sensitivityHelps students when needed 4. Effectiveness of lessons Motivates through instruction and presentationMeets objectivesStays on topicPaces lessonEncourages class participationCarefully directs and explains expectationsUses effective questioningAbility to summarize the lessonHas a concluding activityCorrelates lesson with other subjects 5. Presenter effectiveness Speaks clearly using proper grammarAvoids using  colloquialisms such as you guys and yeahAttentive to detailsHas confidenceBoard writing is legibleMaintains authority 6. Classroom management and behavior Does not embarrass, use sarcasm, or argue with studentsRemains an adult at all timesDoes not tolerate or dwell on inappropriate behaviorKeeps lesson flowing and knows when to stop or wait Areas of Observation Used in Self-Evaluation This list of questions forms the basis of a self-evaluation process for a student teacher. Are my objectives clear?Did I teach my objective?Is my lesson timed well?Do I remain on one topic too long or too short?Do I use a clear voice?Was I organized?Is my handwriting legible?Do I use proper speech?Do I move around the classroom enough?Did I use a variety of teaching materials?Do I show enthusiasm?Do I have make good eye-contact with the students?Did I explain the lesson effectively?Were my directions clear?Did I show confidence and knowledge of the subject?