Huizi Zhao

TESOL Certificate Programs

Observation Notebook
Observation Notebook Feedback Form
Goal: Increased awareness of varied teaching practices gained through reflective observation of
teaching

Reader comments on each report

1. While your observation notes were very detailed, your responses to the
questions could have demonstrated a deeper degree of reflection in
which you connect what you observed to your TESOL classes and how
you could use these techniques in your future teaching.
2. Your objectives are effectively written, and your notes are detailed, but
they lack some organization. You could strengthen the effectiveness of
your responses with citations from your sources. You have a reference
but no in-text citation. However, you have some good ideas for applying
what you saw.
3. Your objectives are well-written and your notes show good organization
and great detail. One way in which you could improve the third level of
reflection (critical) would be to explain why the strategies the instructor
used were especially successful with this group of students. Again, you
lack a connection between observation and theory here because you
have not included in-text citations.
4. The notes are clear and detailed. Your observation about the
importance of teacher attitude reflects an excellent insight on your part;
an effective teacher is able to present content in a way that student will
find interesting. However there is a lack of supporting research. Good
ideas for the future though! Very specific.
5. While you are able to describe what occurred during the class in very
precise detail, you reflection does not indicate that you understand how
using the PPP method was an effective strategy in presenting this
material. There is a lack of supporting research on this point. However, I
like how you discussed adapting PPP for your future class.
6. Both your class observation notes and your reflection responses clearly
show that you understand the importance of checking students
comprehension. However the reflections here are limited, brief, and at
the surface level.
7. Great objectives! Your timestamps make the notes clear. Your
reflection demonstrated a deeper understanding of the pedagogical level
of reflection. This is because you were able to observe how the
instructors use of groups for this activity resulted in more effective
learning outcomes for the students. However, reference to an outside
source would make this part stronger. Some grammatical errors in the
writing.
8. Your responses to both questions show you understand that importance
of the instructor to create a supportive learning environment where the

Score / 10
8

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

Huizi Zhao

TESOL Certificate Programs

Observation Notebook
learners affective filter is low enough to enable them to take risks. Also
your notes show a great level of detail for his difficult skill. However, the
reflection does not go beyond the pedagogical level, and references are
lacking.
9. Your reflections about the class activities suggest that your
understanding of what elements are essential for a successful learning is
increasing. Good job!
10. It is not completely clear from your responses whether you felt the
strategies used were effective or not. You could have resolved this
ambiguity either by referring what you learned in your coursework or
citing what different authors say to justify your conclusions.

8
85%

Huizi Zhao

TESOL Certificate Programs

Observation Notebook

Observation Notebook Grade Form

Required: 10 observation reports that evidence effort and increase in awareness / understanding
of the teaching process.
Student: ____Huizi Zhao_____________________
Date of completion: ____February 19, 2015____________

Exceptional - A
Above Average - B
Average - C
Below Average - D
Fail - F
Please see the Observation Rubric for an explanation of each level.
Comments:
The level of detail in your observation notes is excellent.
You are very adept at describing the objectives for each of the classes you observed.
Your notebook would be even better with greater attention to grammatical accuracy in
your write ups and deeper reflection. The latter is especially important because your
ability to improve as a teacher will depend upon your enhancing your ability to reflect
on your practice. As you move forward in your teaching career, work on more fully
developing your pedagogical and critical reflection skills. You always want to think
about the following questions.
How effective was the lesson in helping students master the material that they
needed to learn?
If the lesson was not as effective as it could have been, what could have been
done differently?
My best wishes to you for a successful career!
Evaluator Name: _____Bill Baker_____________________________
Date: _____March 6, 2015___________________