Observing in Schools: A Guide for Students in Teacher Education

Observation Handbook for Teaching provides pre-service education students with the basic skills and background to conduct field based observations and research at the beginning level. This truly unique text/workbook is intended for use in a broad array of programs where students are required to conduct classroom observation both prior to and during practicum and student teaching. The majority of the observation texts currently on the market are geared to observation in a specific discipline. This text approaches the observation process broadly and provides the general guidelines for conducting observations across the entire school spectrum.

Table of Contents:
Preface.  Acknowledgments. For Faculty and Students Using this Book. PART I: DOING FIELDWORK IN EDUCATION. Conducting Observation and Interview Research Why Beginning Teachers Need to do Fieldwork Anthropology and Traditions of Observation Observing and Noticing Things Observing Language Observing Authority and Power On the Non-Neutrality of the Observer Creating an Individual School or District Profile Entering into a School Setting Setting up a School Observation Guidelines for Writing Field Notes Participant Observation Field Notes Journals and Diaries Creating a Journal or Diary Writing and Reflection Ethical Issues Conclusion PART II: OBSERVATION INSTRUMENTS. General Observation of a Classroom Observing an Individual Student Student Interaction in the Classroom Impressions of Student Characteristics Understanding How Well Students Understand Instruction Observing on a Child with a Learning or Behavior Problem Observing a Child who is Exceptionally Bright or Creative Learning about Teachers’ Routines Phases of Instruction Observing Language Arts Instruction Observing Reading Instruction Reading Skills Instruction Observation Observing Pre-Reading Activities Observing Physical Education Instruction Observing Instruction for English Language Learners Observing School Related Meetings Observing a Media Center Observing a Technology Lab Observing a Cafeteria Observing the Integration of Technology into Classroom Instruction Observing Art Instruction Observing Band Instruction Observing in a Museum, Exploratorium, Planeterium or Exhibition Looking for Root Metaphors in the Classroom PART III: INTERVIEW INSTRUMENTS. Learning about a Teacher as an Individual Learning about a School Administrator as an Individual Interviewing a Student (Understanding How Well Students Understand Instruction) APPENDIX A A Three-step Model for Conducting Classroom Observations and Interviews and Participating in Classroom Activity Bibliography.