This document summarizes a peer observation meeting that took place on December 3rd, 2014. The meeting included introductions, feedback on classroom observations using a "compass points" technique, small group discussions, and plans for future learning walks. Teachers shared strategies for motivating students, such as relating lessons to students' lives, setting high expectations, allowing student choice, and setting goals. The group discussed upcoming classroom observations on December 15th to further support teacher development.

1. Peer Observation
Dec 3, 2014

2. But 1st…
• Updates and others?
• New faces
• December “walkthroughs”

3. December
Topic Standards Examples
Classroom
II-A-2 Student
Environment
Engagement
II-B-1 Safe
Learning
Environment
II-C-2 Maintains
Respectful
Environment

4. December
Topic Standards Examples
Classroom
II-A-2 Student
Environment
Engagement
II-B-1 Safe
Learning
Environment
II-C-2 Maintains
Respectful
Environment
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5. Peer Observations
• Intro (Greg)
• Compass points feedback – individual
• Small group reflections
• Large group sharing
• The future (Shawn)

6. Motivating Students/Observation
Greg Kessler

7. Observations
• After Observing a numerous amount of
classrooms this year I have seen the following
really interesting teaching practices.
– Pacing/Tone
– Trying new things
– Enthusiasm
– Group work
– ItsLearning/Google Docs
– Challenging Students
– Motivation

8. Motivation

9. How Do You Motivate Students?

10. Your Peers Do it This Way…
• I try to motivate students by getting them excited
about the subject/unit/topic and trying to relate it to
their lives or real life.-Mrs. Schamber
• I try to make my classroom somewhere students want
to be. I try to be someone students want to please.
(Patient, kind, but with high expectations and a "you
CAN do it, I believe in you" attitude). I find that when
students like you, they don't want to let you down
and will work hard for you, and if your classroom is a
"safe" place, they will take academic risks without
fear of ridicule. – Ms. Cotillo

11. Your Peers Do it This Way…
• I motivate students by building opportunities for
success while moving them towards solving
challenging problems. I try to keep the bar high
and praise my students as they work towards
the standard. – Mrs. Donahue
• As a history teacher, I am constantly looking for
ways to prove to kids that they are put of a
bigger picture and the past impact their lives. I
use historical references/comparisons to show
what a life of "worth" has the potential to look
like. – Mr. Vacca

12. Your Peers Do it This Way…
• I try to encourage intrinsic motivation
through lessons on learning, including how
their brain works (a little), goal setting, self
discipline, and reacting to mistakes. I also try
to give them choice, autonomy, power, and
voice in my classroom and in their learning.-
Mr. d’Entremont
• Goal Setting and team building

13. Team Building and Goals
• Class clap
• Class cheer
• Count Down to success
• I say…. You say….
• Goals- Monthly check ins as well as Student
Lead Conferences.

14. Compass Points
• On your own!
• E (Excitements)
• W (Worries)
• N (Needs)
• S (Stance, Steps, or Suggestions)
• 10 min

15. Small Group
• 3-5 people
• Cannot “double up” grade or subject
• 15 min

16. Large Group
• Share your (or someone else’s)
takeaway
• What should we do next?

17. The future
• Recommendations from faculty not
available at press time.
• Learning walks

18. Learning Walks
• …offer an opportunity for professionals
to learn from one another and
improve their practice.
• For the benefit of the observer.
• Dec 15th
• Rob, Bert, Trish B., Katelyn, & me