Preparing for a Formal Observation
How to be Ready for the Principal to Observe a Lesson
Oct 16, 2008
When a formal observation is scheduled, preparing a detailed lesson plan, student preparation and mental preparation will help to enable the observation to go smoothly and successfully.
Prepare a Detailed Lesson Plan
The first necessary step in preparing for a formal observation is to plan a detailed lesson. Go back to the basics and think through individual steps necessary to the lesson objective in order to meet the needs of each student in your class.
Make sure to include each necessary component of the lesson plan including the objective, introduction, direct instruction, guided practice, independent practice and assessment. If not all of these components are applicable to the specific lesson being observed, write them down anyway, so that the principal knows how the lesson began or will end, depending on the situation.
Administrators like to see hands on activities that focus on several different learning styles. Find ways to teach the lesson in a unique way, bringing ingenuity and excitement into common lessons. The better prepared the lesson is, the more behaved the students will be, so once again, be sure to thoroughly plan out the lesson.
Prepare the Students
When students are well behaved and attentive observations go better, but this does not happen overnight. Be sure to work on class rules, expectations and respect long before the observation in order to ensure the best behavior possible. Many times, a little bribery can go a long way as well – stating that if the students behave while the principal is in the room, they will earn extra recess or some other special treat.
Know that discipline problems will come up during the lesson, and prepare to remain calm, but consistent, following through with set consequences.
Mental Preparations
Preparing physically for a formal observation is only half of the battle. Mental preparation is essential. Think through every aspect of the lesson, how to respond to discipline problems, and how to use movement throughout the room. Remaining calm in the face of discipline problems and excited about learning are essential, and preparing mentally will help the observation go smoothly.
Remember that no lesson is perfect, and no teacher handles every situation perfectly. Principals know this, and do not expect perfection. They are looking for competency, a love of learning and an ability to teach the students. Planning a lesson, preparing the students and mental preparation will not ensure a great observation, but will go a long way towards that goal.
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