| Body | This activity was created for teachers wishing to engage in professional peer observation with colleagues. Teachers may choose to observe colleagues from the same discipline, or they may wish to work with colleagues from other disciplines.
Learning Outcome(s):
Teachers will be able to:
- Articulate a plan for observing a colleague using the Collaborate, Observe, Connect, Repeat protocol.
- Observe a colleague
- Debrief observations with the colleague
Materials: Professional Peer Observation video,  observation template (optional)
Procedure:
- Collaborate: Find a colleague with whom you would like to engage in peer observations and watch the Professional Peer Observation video together. Set a time to observe each other for at least 20 minutes. Also, set a purpose for the observation. This purpose could be very general (e.g., input to help you realize and undestand your strengths), something specific related to an activity you are trying out or refining, or focusing on characteristics listed in an observation template.
- Observe: At the scheduled time, observe one another’s classes. As a reminder, make sure to spend at least 20 minutes observing. You may always observe longer, but you do not need to stay for an entire class period, unless the purpose you arrived at during Step 1 dictates that need.
- Connect: Set a time to debrief your observations. This time should be comfortable for both of you. For example, you may choose to use shared planning time. Alternatively, you may choose to have lunch or coffee together while you chat. No matter the venue, make sure to mention the strengths you see in one another’s teaching, one or two questions you have for each other, and one idea you have for growth or expansion.
- Repeat: At the close of this meeting, make sure to return to Step 1. Decide on a new time to observe one another and articulate your purpose for the next observation.
Notes:
- Colleages do not have to work in the same school in order to complete observations. Recorded lessons or lessons delivered via webcast are fine to observe.
- When engaging in Step 3, feel free to utilize your peer’s strengths as a jumping off point for your idea for growth or expansion. A proficiency-oriented focus is motivating and is, typically, quite effective.
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