Observation: Intern Joseph Burke

Date: February 26, 2015

School/District: Clarkston Jr. High School/Clarkston School District
Class/Grade: 9th Grade ELA
Number of students present: 30
Materials used: copies of Lord of the Flies, students writers notebooks, dictionary, computer,
white board
Mentor Teacher: Mrs. Rory Beer
Observer: Dr. Larry C. Latimore, Michigan State University Field Instructor
This was the second observation of the Spring Semester-2015 of Intern Joseph Burke. The
followings areas were targeted for observation:
*Promoting an inclusive environment
* Encouraging an intellectually engaging environment
*Prompting students to productively participate in classroom activity
*Using classroom space and resources to promote learning
*Using available technology
Intern greeted students in the classroom in a friendly and easy-going manner. His students are
respectful towards him and it is reflected in the way the class started. Students accepts Intern as
the teacher in the room and are very cooperative. He performs the warm demander persona
well, providing discipline and support for learning. Intern was well prepared for the lesson.
Lesson plan was available. It was part of a unit on short stories.
Mr. Burke is self-assured, articulate, and effective in his organization and the delivery of the
lessons direction and content. Intern is building his toolbox of strategies for gaining and keeping
the attention of his students. He has worked with his mentor to arrange the classroom for
different groupings and accessibility to students while teaching. It is noted that the arrangement
promotes better communication with and among students. The expectations of Mr. Burkes
teaching experience can be noted in the following:

Planning Instruction and Designing Learning

Experiences for Students
Beginning
1

Developing

Progressing

Learning about Students

The Intern draws upon patterns of child and
1

Meet
Expectations

adolescent development to understand his/her

students.
The Intern paces instruction and reteaches based
on evidence gathered during monitoring.

The Intern learns about each student through

interpersonal interactions.

The Intern identifies students needing specialized

instruction, using assessment data, classroom
observation, reflection, and consultation.

Instructional Planning
The Intern plans comprehensive instruction in
accordance with content standards.

The Intern establishes clear short-term and longterm goals for student learning.

The Intern sequences instruction appropriately.

The Intern plans lessons that match instructional

strategies to content.

The Intern lesson plans meet the varied needs of

all students.

Use of technology and climate for learning:

Classroom Environment
Beginning
1

Developing
2 3

Progressing
5

Meet
Expectations

The Intern develops and maintains clear

expectations for academic and social behavior.

The Intern promotes student effort and

engagement and creates a positive climate for
learning.

The Intern knows how to establish rapport with all

students.

The Intern helps students learn to work responsibly

with others and independently.

The Intern used a computer and projector for the discussion and the presentation. The content
was clear and well organized.
Finally, there is great deal of confidence in the Interns evolving pedagogy and attitude about
being a teacher. Intern took charge early and has maintained a level of competence championed
by the mentor teacher. Intern and mentor teacher are creative in handling the intellectually
curious students. This foundation will bode the Intern well in the future.