Beginning Teacher Observation and Feedback 1

Beginning Teacher Observation and Feedback

Anthony Medina

Grand Canyon University: EAD 530

August 3, 2022
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Summary of pre-conference, observation, and post conference

This field experience provided the opportunity to complete a coaching cycle of a

beginning teacher. I was able to conduct the coaching cycle of the pre-conference, observation,

and post conference of beginning teacher Mr. Niciewski. As a veteran Health/PE teacher I felt

for this field experience it would be best to observe Mr. Niciewski because he is in his first year

of teaching, and I felt I could provide the best recommendations for improvement in a content

area I am comfortable with. Mr. Niciewski observation lesson was on cooperative games. During

the pre-conference we went over each part of the lesson plan. The recommendations I made

based on the lesson activities was to make sure to model each lesson activity so the students have

a visual of how to perform each activity. I recommended to make efficient use of gymnasium

space for lesson activities. I then discussed making sure students are actively listening when

providing activity instruction. I also discussed pairing students who are excelling in lesson

activities with other students who are struggling.

During the observation I noticed that Mr. Niciewski used my recommendation of

modeling each part of the lesson. This is an effective strategy because it provides students with a

clear example of how to perform lesson activities. This is especially useful for students who are

learning new skills in physical education classes. While observing Mr. Niciewski I also noticed

his ability to make use of efficient gymnasium space. As a physical education teacher making

use of space is key for large groups of students to spread out and perform lesson activities in a

safe environment. During the lesson I observed Mr. Niciewski efforts on making sure students

where listening when providing activity instruction. The effort of making sure students are

following classroom expectations by listening when instruction is being provided will benefit

Mr. Niciewski to reach lesson goals. It can be difficult as a PE teacher for students to settle down
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and become active listeners between lesson activities so setting the expectations of making sure

students are listening when providing lesson instruction will help lead to having a successful

lesson. Mr. Niciewski was able to use my recommendations of pairing students who performed

lesson activities at an advanced level with students who seemed to struggle. This strategy will

help develop teamwork and leadership amongst students.

Upon completion of the observation I was able to meet with Mr. Niciewski for the post

conference. During the post conference I started with complementing Mr. Niciewski on his

ability to instruct a successful lesson. I then provided the opportunity for Mr. Niciewski to

discuss how he thought the lesson went. I discussed his ability to use the strategies we went over

in the pre-conference. I then went over areas I felt could have improved the lesson such as lesson

activities. I also recommended to have students more involved in the lesson such as

demonstrating activities. The post-conference was completed with Mr. Niciewski providing

feedback on how school administration could help to improve class instruction.

Recommendations for the effective use of technology

I recommended that Mr. Niciewski use technology to enhance lessons and keep students

engaged. I recommended that he incorporate the use of videos to provide as a visual and audio

demonstration for lesson skills. As students are performing skills they can look at the video to

make sure they are performing skills the correct way. I also recommended the use of interactive

white boards during lesson activities. Interactive white boards provide students a chance to

participate in hands on activities that they enjoy. Interactive whiteboards can be used during a

physical education class in many ways such as matching activities to review key lesson terms or

for a lesson assessment to check for understanding. I also recommended that Mr. Niciewski

implement a google classroom for his students. A google classroom will provide many benefits
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for students such as organizing PE content for students to review online. Google classroom is

also a great way to communicate with parents and for them to view what is taking place in class.

Google classroom is also a great option in the event instruction needs to take place virtually.

Evidence of how coaching promotes a school culture

The coaching process provides a chance for school administrators to collaborate with

teachers in the classroom. This process helps to promote the school culture because of the

positive impact it has on students social and academic success. During the coaching process

positive relationships are formed through the collaboration that takes place in the classroom

which helps to build staff morale. The coaching process helps teachers understand administrators

expectations when providing class instruction which helps to avoid stress and continue building a

positive school culture. School administrators use the coaching process to help teachers develop

strategies that will help them excel in the classroom. I believe my coaching during the

observation process helped to build a school culture that is built on collaboration and trust. I was

able to discuss strategies with Mr. Niciewski that will help him to succeed in the classroom as

well as provided him effective feedback after his observation. I showed respect to Mr. Niciewski

by listening to his recommendation and demonstrating a willingness to work with him during

future lessons to implement strategies discussed the pre and post conference.

Reflection

I was able to perform the coaching process as a teacher coach. As a teacher coach I took

into account all my experiences with teacher observations. I wanted to make sure I provided a

coaching experience I felt would be best for a beginning teacher based on all my past

experiences. In order to be a successful coach you have to make sure that you make the

observation process a positive learning experience. Teachers can sometimes feel uncomfortable
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or nervous during observations because the coach does not make it a comfortable situation. As a

future school principal I will build positive relationships with teachers and make sure they

understand that my goal is to help them succeed in the classroom when coaching during

observations.
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Reference:
Knight, J. (2008). Coaching: Approaches and perspectives. Corwin Press.

Showers, B. (1985). Teachers coaching teachers. Educational leadership, 42(7), 43-48.

Protheroe, N. (2002). Improving instruction through teacher observation. Principal, 82(1), 48-51.