A Guide of Classroom Management Observation

Please observe a teacher on your site and look for the following classroom management
strategies. The goal of classroom observations is to gather information and not to judge.
Please remember to maintain confidentiality in sharing this information. Please also note that
NO teacher does all of these things in every lesson.
Your name: Class:
Subject observed: Date:

School : Address:

Skills What did the teacher do and how did he/she do it?
What was the effect?
Physical Classroom was clean,
Arrangement attractive, conducive to
learning

Materials and equipment were dy

Functional room arrangement

● Temperature is comfortable
● Lighting is comfortable
● Students are physically
comfortable
● Classroom is attractive to
students
● Maximum use of bulletin
board and wall space
● All students can see
presentation of instruction
● Desks and furniture are
arranged to maximize space
● Distractions are minimal
● High traffic areas are free
from congestion
● Students are not seated in
high traffic or congested
areas
● Frequently used materials are
easily accessible
● Students know where
materials/books/assignm
ent
s
Instructional Class Opening
Time (e.g. Warm Up, Quick Write,
class ritual, other)

Procedural Directions
(e.g. precise language,
step- by-step, other)

Transitions
(e.g. whole group to small
group, small group to whole
group, other)
Quiet Signals
(e.g. countdown, hands up,
music, other)

Pacing
(7-UP: Did the activity “shift”
approx. every 7 minutes?

Checking for
understanding (e.g.
thumbs up, student repeat
back, other)
Instructional Leading Discussion
Strategies ●
Uses whole group, small
group, independent work
effectively
●
Pace and tempo are
appropriate for learners
●
Attention to lesson is
monitored continually
●
Instruction is matched to skill
level and need
●
Instruction is adapted based
on student differences
●
Purpose of lesson is clearly
stated
●
Relevance of lesson is clear
●
Materials and examples are
up to date and of interest to
students
●
Strategies are used that
capture and maintain student
interest
●
Instructional tools and
methods are varied
●
Questioning is used
●
Feedback is given
●
Feedback is given in a timely

manner
●
Feedback is appropriate
Behavioral Behavior Management
Consideratio ●
ns Teacher is visible at all times
●
Clear expectations are
communicated regarding
acceptable behavior
●
Expectations regarding
behavior are posted clearly
●
Rules are realistic and
reasonably attainable
●
Positive reinforcement is
used
●
A variety of reinforces used
●
High ratio of positive to
negative statements
●
Students are clear regarding
positive and negative
consequences
●
Rules are aligned with
school-wide behavioral
expectations
●
All procedures are TAUGHT
and PRACTICED and
feedback is given
●
Desired behavior is
reinforced appropriately
●
Students take responsibility
for their behavior
●
Transitions between
activities are smooth and
without confusion
●
Transitions in and out of the
classroom are clearly defined
and practiced
●
Students can see teacher and
teacher can see students-at all
times
●
Proximity control is
used to decrease
inappropriate
behavior

●
Social Teacher portrays a friendly,
Climate positive attitude.
●
High ratio of positive to
negative statements.
●
Teacher listens to what
students have and need to say
●
Students are invited to be
risk-takers without fear of
 ridicule.
●
Students are provided with
opportunities for success.
●
Students are provided with
opportunities to interact.
●
Students interact in a positive
manner.
●
Effective communication
skills are present.
●
Overall safe, non-threatening
environment is provided.
●
Respect is shown at all times
●
Humor used
appropriately;
sarcasm avoided.