The answer is… SURPRISINGLY LITTLE.This, from the guy who has literally conducted tens of thousands of classroom observations.
The reason for this is that classroom instruction is a complex, dynamic operation with a million moving parts. Which means in a 5-minute observation, I can collect some objective data. But, and this is a BIG but, I don’t know if the collected data, good or bad, represents typical practice or an aberration.
So, stifle your compelling urge to over-analyze and comment on single observation. It is BAD practice.
Now, conduct 15 to 20 such observation, and with the right data tool (See: PowerWalks), you can create game film that illustrates typical practice. The derived game film is worthy of analysis and interpretation. With objective, accurate game film, a teacher and instructional coach can make informed decisions on areas of improvement that will be beneficial to the teacher.
That is why you conduct a 5-minute observation, over and over and over again.
Think. Work. Achieve.
Your turn…
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