Classroom Observation Form

Date of Observation:
Instructor Name: Instructor Signature

Observer Name: Observer Signature

Course Name:
Session Topic(s):
Course Level: Fresh. Soph. Jr. Sr. Grad.

Number of Students Present/Class Size:

Course Syllabus Includes: Profiles of Learning for Undergraduate Success (undergraduate

Classroom Arrangement:

Instructional Format(s) Observed (Check all that apply)

Interactive Lecture
(Lecture with periodic planned opportunities for student interaction with content)

Discussions/Group Activities
(Group work or discussion, along with occasional lecture)

Active Learning Only

Summary of the instructor’s strengths, areas to improve, and suggested recommendations

Strengths:

Areas to Improve:

Specific Recommendations:

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 Characteristics Observed Indicators
1. Instructor conveyed class objectives clearly. ☐ Connected objectives to previous class objectives
☐ Connected objectives to future class objectives
☐ Connected objectives to class activities
2. Instructor organized presentation carefully. ☐ Identified discrete topics
☐ Transitioned from one topic to another effectively
☐ Foregrounded important concepts
☐ Used a concluding activity or summary to provide
closure to the class session
3. Instructor communicated clearly with ☐ Spoke at appropriate volume
students. ☐ Speech was understandable
☐ Spoke at appropriate pace
☐ Spoke with proper modulation
☐ Used appropriate gestures and expressions
☐ Maintained eye contact with students
☐ Communicated with authority
☐ Enforced class policies as needed
4. Instructor used effective instructional ☐ Delivered content relevant to the session learning
strategies for achieving the session goals. goals
☐ Prompted students to use prior knowledge to interpret
new class information
☐ Modeled skills and techniques aligned with learning
goals (e.g., problem-solving, data analysis, disciplinary
thinking, etc.)
☐ Asked complex questions to promote critical thinking
☐ Paraphrased/rephrased ideas when appropriate
☐ Used examples to convey principles
☐ Applied concepts to relevant real-world problems
☐ Paced learning appropriately
☐ Used techniques appropriate to class size
5. Instructor demonstrated purposeful and ☐ Selected technologies appropriate to instructional
effective integration of technology. strategies
☐ Used technology that did not needlessly distract from
or burden learning
6. The instructor facilitated classroom activities ☐ Reinforced purpose of activity in the context of
effectively (e.g., discussion, Q&A, group learning goals
work) ☐ Explained activity process and expected deliverables
clearly
☐ Monitored progress and productivity of activity
☐ Assessed activity outcomes
7. Instructor encouraged effective collaborative ☐ Oriented students to collaborative learning
learning. ☐ Ensured that all students contributed
☐ Fostered inclusive environment
☐ Provided feedback
8. Instructor encouraged student interaction ☐ Invited student participation
(with each other and the instructor). ☐ Paused for students to think and respond
☐ Listened to students
☐ Fostered respect for diverse points of view

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 ☐ Facilitated peer interaction
9. Instructor responded to classroom ☐ Demonstrated respect in responding to students
developments appropriately. ☐ Responded to need for clarification or suggestion of
new idea
☐ Used positive reinforcement
☐ Helped students develop weak or non-responses into
productive contributions
☐ Handled disruptive student behavior appropriately
10. Instructor assessed student learning. ☐ Used formative assessments tied to learning goals to
check student understanding and provide appropriate
feedback
☐ Asked students to reflect on their learning based on
class activities
11. Students responded appropriately to ☐ Remained engaged in class activities (e.g.,
instruction. discussions, labs, group work)
☐ Interacted with instructor and each other respectfully
☐ Asked questions to clarify understanding
☐ Interacted with one another appropriately
12. Instructor appeared knowledgeable of the content area.
(To be addressed only if observer is a content expert.)

13. Instructor discussed study strategies that seemed appropriate for learning goals.