Teachers observe each other's classrooms to identify best practices and adapt effective strategies. The observer uses a documentation form to focus on classroom atmosphere, activities, and teacher/student interactions. After privately reflecting, the teacher and observer meet to discuss evidence of student learning, provide positive feedback and suggestions for improvement, and ensure lessons align with school goals. The goal is for teachers to grow by observing each other's classrooms.

1. Protocol for Peer
Observations
Christina Dozier
November 12,2017
CUR/555
Professor Daniels-Pierce

2. Purpose of Walk-Through Observation
The purpose of the walk-through observation is to observe best practice
and identify what teaching strategies are working well in the classroom.
The idea is for teachers to take best practices in classroom management,
teaching strategies and student classroom atmosphere and adapt them to
fit the needs of the students and their own teaching styles. Teachers are
not required to make changes (normally), but are encouraged to use the
observations as growth experiences.

3. Documentation Form
Observer:_____________________ Teacher Observed: ______________
Date: _____________ Time: ______________
Subject: ______________________
Focus Comments
What is the learning objective?
How are the students group? Whole/Small/Paired/Individual
How are the student’s understanding being assessed
throughout and at the end of the lesson?
What are the student’s engagement expectations?
What is the tone of the classroom environment?
What activities are being used and where is the teacher
during the lesson(s)?

4. Pre-Observation Process
This is a time when teachers should:
● Identify an area of focus
● Agree on an observation time
● Identify any goals and ideas about the lesson
● Discuss any demographics if chosen to do so
● Identify an appropriate observation form that supports the focus
● Familiarize themselves with the form so the walkthrough will be easier to complete

5. Observation
● The teacher/observer should use the form to focus on the atmosphere and
activities of the classroom.
● The teacher is analyzing what is going on in the classroom and keeping the focus
in mind.
● The observer observes to identify the effectiveness of the teaching strategies
and overall lesson.
● The teacher observes both the teacher and student interaction throughout the
lesson.

6. Post-Observation
The teachers should set aside time to debrief about the lesson.
The teacher observed should be given an opportunity to reflect privately before reflecting with the
observer.
The meeting session should allow time to identify positive feedback and questions and/or suggestions.
Evidence of student learning and effectiveness of the lesson should be discussed, along with any room
for improvement.
Discussion is focused on school and/or district goals and not on individual teacher’s goals and
expectations.

7. Essential Questions
1. Do I consider the lesson to be successful?
2. How does the lesson align with the standards of the school and the state?
3. What can I do differently after observing this classroom?
4. What do I feel I am doing well after visiting this classroom?
5. Am I supporting my students in ways that they need to be supported?
6. What do I have in common with these teaching strategies?
7. How can student engagement be more prevalent in my classroom?