Observation Guidelines
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Arrive about fifteen minutes before the official starting time. This will allow you to ask a few questions and get comfortably settled before most learners arrive.
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Bring a few sheets of blank paper, a pen or pencil, and a clipboard to use in writing notes about what you see and hear and to record questions you would like to ask later.
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Find an inconspicuous place to sit where you can hear and see easily.
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Avoid the temptation to initiate conversation with learners or teachers during the session. This helps keep the learners focused on what the teacher is having them do, and it helps you see as typical a session as possible. It’s OK to smile at someone who smiles at you, but then shift your eyes to the teacher or somewhere else in the room.
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Do everything possible to stifle the urge to laugh at any cute or humorous things learners say or do, unless of course, the whole group is laughing.
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The basic idea is to be natural and relaxed without drawing undue attention to yourself.
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During the session, look particularly for:
- things the teachers do that you think you can do;
- things the teachers do that you think you may not be able to do;
- evidence of anything meaningful being accomplished; and
- items you have questions about.
- After the session, meet with one or more of the staff to ask questions about what you saw and heard and to ask any other questions about the program.
If a learner speaks to you, respond as briefly as possible, then suggest that he or she return to what the rest of the class is doing.
© 2003 Gospel Publishing House, Springfield, MO. Permission to duplicate for local church use only.
