CLASSROOM OBSERVATION AND

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Please include the following in your classroom observation narrative.

School –Location- Level
Date- Time- Observer

The following are observation points to consider when conducting a classroom observation.


PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

1. Seating

Positioning

Height and size of chairs
Support of feet
Proximity to other student's
Student's view of classroom
Communication

2. Lighting Intensity/ Type

glare
natural or fluorescent

3. Noise Level

Student groups?

4. Distractions

Sight- displays
Sound
Events and activities

5. Climate

Temperature

6. Classroom

Atmosphere

Demeanor of students

7. General Layout

Type and placement of furniture- equipment
Accessibility - areas, materials
Amount and type of space- storage, movement

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

1. Materials

Variety- access of students
Format

2. Manipulatives

Availability and appropriateness

3. Learning activities Instructional methods
Opportunities to make choices share ideas

4. Instructional demands

Clarity, repetition,
Monitoring for understanding

Difficulty level and length
Relevance, perceived usefulness
Variety of materials

5. Modifications

Furniture, equipment and materials

6. Grouping/ Independent work
Peer work, Cooperative work

7. Instruction

Adjustments- revision, variety pace
Levels of assistance- as needed, faded

8. Expectations Demands

9. Student involvement
Teacher support
Participation in discussion

10. Assessment Tools/ Format/ Feedback

11. Curriculum

Reflects standards

12. Schedule
Predictability
Regularity
Posted
Interruptions

13. Transitions

Preparation and follow-through
Allotment of time