At CODE313, we understand that heading back to school and facing classroom observations can be a mix of excitement and nerves. Even seasoned educators can feel the pressure of a formal observation. But don’t worry! With the right strategies and a bit of tech savvy, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity for a fun and engaging learning experience. Here are our four tips, infused with technology, to help you navigate your next classroom observation with ease.

1. Choose a Familiar Routine and Content

Tech Tip: Utilize lesson planning and management software to streamline your lesson preparation. Tools like Google Classroom, Planbook, or Microsoft OneNote can help you organize your lessons effectively. Ensure that the lesson you choose for observation is one your students are familiar with, both in structure and content.

At CODE313, we recommend using digital lesson planners to review and organize your routines and content. These tools make it easy to create, store, and access lesson plans, track student progress, and align resources with your established routines. For example, if you're showcasing a lesson on subtraction with regrouping, use these tools to ensure your lesson builds on students' existing knowledge.

2. Figure Out Your Lesson, Then Ask Yourself 3 Key Questions

Tech Tip: Use assessment tools to help with planning and evaluation. Digital platforms like Kahoot!, Quizizz, or Google Forms are invaluable for gauging student understanding in real-time. These tools allow you to quickly create assessments that measure learning outcomes during or after your lesson.

When planning your lesson, think about how you can incorporate these digital tools. For instance, if you're introducing a new math concept, prepare a quick formative assessment with Google Forms to check for understanding. This approach helps answer: What will scholars learn? How will they learn it? And how will you know they learned it?

3. Prep Scholars and/or Prep Yourself

Tech Tip: Leverage communication tools to prepare your students for the observation. Platforms like Seesaw or Remind can be used to notify students and parents about the observation. Send out a message or post an update explaining what to expect and how they can help.

Additionally, if you're using video recordings for self-reflection or to share with a colleague, tools like Loom or OBS Studio can be great for capturing your teaching style and getting feedback. Ensure students are comfortable with these recordings if you plan to use them, and remind them that the recordings are for educational purposes only.

4. Have a Backup Plan for the What-Ifs

Tech Tip: Prepare for contingencies with digital tools that offer quick solutions. For instance, use classroom management apps like ClassDojo or TeacherKit to handle behavioral issues or manage classroom dynamics effectively. These tools help you track student behavior and address issues promptly.

Also, have backup lesson materials readily available in cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox. If something goes awry with your planned lesson, you can quickly access alternative activities or resources. Practice scenarios and rehearse your backup plans using these digital resources to stay prepared for any unexpected developments.

Conclusion

As we gear up for the new school year, remember that a classroom observation is a snapshot of your teaching and reflects the hard work you've put in over time. At CODE313, we encourage you to leverage technology to streamline your preparation, engage your students, and handle any surprises with confidence. Embrace these tools as part of your teaching toolkit and turn your observation into a showcase of your skills and dedication.

With these tips and the right technology, you’ll be ready to approach your next classroom observation as a fun and engaging learning experience. Here’s to a fantastic S.T.E.A.M. school year ahead—good luck with your observations!