Seattle College DistrictFall 2015

Peer Observer Training

Background & Purpose Peer Observation Guidelines created by District Administration and Seattle AFT toDevelop mutual understanding of the observation processGuide conversations between the teacher and observerPractice observation and open discussion of teaching and learning between colleaguesProvide opportunity for both teacher and observer to learn from the experienceProtect privacy of information between teacher and observer – this is a confidential observationCreate an observation system with no administrative evaluation

Brief outline of processStep 1: Peer observer and Teacher

exchange informationStep 2: Teacher identifies goals for

observation and the Observer and Teacher discuss them

Step 3: Observation takes place

Step 4: Dialogue about what happened during the observation

Step 5: Paperwork submitted

Step 1 – Initiating ObservationsDeans are supportive of the process, but do

not assign observationsObserver reaches out to colleaguesPeer Observer Leads can help with the

matchmaking effortsObserver gives the guideline paperwork to

teacherEstablish a spirit of confidentiality and trust

- this is important! This is not an administrative evaluation, it’s a learning experience.

Step 2 – Establishing GoalsTeacher completes Step 2 form. This

document communicates to the observer:Goals of the class as a wholeLearning Objectives for the sessionTeaching strategies for the learning

objectivesWhat the teacher wants to have observedTeacher & observer come to agreement

about how the observation will take placeObserver listens to teacher’s goals for the

session and what is to be observed

Step 3 – ObservationObserver attends the teacher’s class and

observes based on the goals that the teacher has set forth

Observer does their best to notice what the teacher has asked them to notice and to make detailed notes on what they observe

What is observable?Physical Reality – objective report of

what actually happens – a descriptionSocially constructed meaning – can be

developed by consensus between teacher and observer in final meeting

Personal reality – try to avoid subjective opinion and interpretation but instead stick to observing what the teacher has asked you to observe

What is observation?Practice observationDescribe what you observe in this video

clip – 1. What do you see?2. What to you hear?

Step 4 - DialogueObserver shares notesTeacher is invited to reflect on what the

observations meanObserver and Teacher discuss the

observationConversation is confidential between

observer & teacherObserver hands all notes to teacherOnly the teacher may communicate

contents of the observation to others

A note on the Dialogue . . .Should the Teacher specifically solicit critique or want the Peer Observer to provide details of areas for improvement (from his/her subjective perspective) and/or advice and suggestion, the Teacher may request this type of discussion and the Observer may choose to comply; however, unless the Teacher asks for this line of discussion, the feedback shall remain objective and focused on observation only.

Step 5: Submit paperworkGive a copy of your certificate of training completion to your dean.

Do your observationsSubmit your observation documentation (signature) paperwork after each observation

All notes are given to the teacher!

2nd Half of Session – Welcome Experienced ObserversIntroductionsLarge group dialogue:What has worked well for you?What challenges have you experienced?Other things to consider?

What are Peer Observer Leads?They are your resource for questions &

concerns, they:Provide trainingField questions from observers & deansCommunicate with deans about the

process of Matching observers with teachersRecruiting Peer Observers for the following

yearPaying stipends to observers

Who Are Your POL’s for 2015-2016North: Betty Williams

Phone: 206.934.4571 Betty.Williams@seattlecolleges.edu

South: Analea BrauburgerPhone: 206.934.6843Analea.Brauburger@seattlecolleges.edu

Central: Jaime Cardenas, Jr.Phone: 206.934.4348Jaime.cardenas@seattlecolleges.edu

You can also contact JC Clapp (district faculty coordinator if you have questions).FD@seattlecolleges.edu