Classroom Observation Tips

If possible, ask to observe the classroom before your workshop or residency and use these tips to guide your observation.

Classroom Observation Tips
Classroom Observation Tips
Back to All Resources
  • Planning
  • Classroom Partners

Classroom Observation Tips

Prior to your residency, you may be able to request a classroom observation in addition to or in place of a planning meeting. This can be a great opportunity to learn about the class and the students. This resource shares observation tips and questions that may be helpful to ask yourself when observing.

For more information about how to use this resource, check out the GIVE Resource: Planning Meeting Guidelines.

Introduction

Before your residency begins, as an addition to or in place of a planning meeting, you may be able to request a classroom observation. Observations are great opportunities to learn about the classroom space, the students, the Classroom Professionals, and tools and materials already available. 

Observing can be a powerful first step in building relationships in the classroom. Remember, the observer is often being observed. Be mindful of the energy you bring into a space, what assumptions you make or biases you hold, and what you will need to unlearn and relearn to add to a collaborative community. Truly enter each classroom as an observer: take note of what you see, hear, and experience, and save any conclusions or judgments for after reflection.

To learn more about implicit bias, see GIVE Resource: Intersectionality of Disability, Race, Gender & Other Identities, and specifically the section on Strategies for Addressing Implicit Biases in ICT Classroom.

Observation Tips

Introduce Yourself

  • If given an opportunity, share your name, your pronouns, your art form,  and what you’re excited about in connection to your residency or program.
  • If there’s an appropriate moment, individually introduce yourself to all of the adults in the room. If it is your first time meeting them, be sure to share your goals, and how they can help you out during your residency, and hand them some information about the residency and/or yourself.

Observe the Room

Space

  • How is it arranged?
  • Is there a working SMART Board or Promethean Board?
  • What will you need to adapt, move, or plan for?
  • Is there a chill-out corner?
  • Are there specific kinds of furniture accommodations in place?
  • Check out GIVE Resource: Teaching Materials and Tools.

What is posted on the walls?

  • Behavior or management systems.
  • What the class is studying.
  • Class roles and responsibilities.

What is on students’ desks?

  • Personal behavior intervention systems (PBIS).
  • Student roles and responsibilities.

Observe the Classroom Professionals

  • What is the dynamic between the Educators?
  • What are their co-teaching structures or strategies?
  • What are the Paraprofessionals doing?

Observe the students

  • How do they interact?
  • Are they working in small groups? Independently? As a large group?
  • What is the general atmosphere in the classroom?

Tip:

As a Teaching Artist, you will continue to observe students throughout your time in the classroom. Remember to keep your assumptions in check (GIVE Resource: Creating Stigma-Free Classrooms). Remember: We don’t know what we don’t know!

Related Content

Planning Meeting Sample Agenda

Classroom Partners

Use this planning meeting sample agenda to have a productive residency planning meeting to learn more about your students…

Co-Generating Goals with Classroom Professionals

Classroom Partners

Use the goals of the Classroom Professionals you are working with to support or inform your lesson plans to…

Planning Meeting Preparation by Role

Classroom Partners

Plan for a productive planning meeting by understanding each person's role and the information they bring to the meeting