Peer Observation

The distinction between literal and interpreted notes is especially important during peer observation. Success is predicated on teachers realizing that their colleagues are not judging their teaching skill, but instead collecting raw data to be collectively analyzed, with the observers and host teacher as equal partners in the learning process. Peer observation then becomes a valuable resource for everyone involved.

Bringing Students Together

In automotive shop, finding a way to engage a broad range of student abilities and interest has been historically challenging for auto/wood instructor Joe Edwards-Hoff, as some kids would “fly through some of this stuff when working individually, while others would just sit and stare at a page.”

He found that, when left on their own, kids would struggle with reading, especially those who were not as interested or had reading challenges. The shared reading brought the class together, and they were able to “move forward as a team.”