MG LAC Session Guide

Unpacking the MG Classroom Observation Tool

Overview
Monitoring MG instructional delivery is important and necessary to support effective
teaching and learning practices in multigrade set-ups. This to ensure that quality education is
delivered and we are able to address the needs of diverse learners. With this in mind, there is a
need for a substantial tool by which we can assess the quality of MG instruction in our
classrooms. The MG Classroom Observation Tool is designed specifically for this purpose. It
serves as a significant reference and covers important elements in monitoring the MG teaching
and learning process.

Objectives
This session on unpacking the MG Classroom Observation Tool is designed for teachers
and school heads so that they can further understand the elements of effective instructional
delivery in multigrade schools. Participants will be equipped with the necessary knowledge,
skills, and attitude in properly monitoring MG instructional practices at the classroom level.

At the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the purposes of the MG Classroom Observation Tool
• Identify the elements of effective MG instructional delivery
• Use the MG Classroom Observation Tool
• Explain the roles of the teacher and the school head during the Coaching Dialogue

Materials
• Presentation slides on Unpacking the MG Classroom Observation Tool
• MG Classroom Observation Tool
• An MG Lesson Plan used by each teacher the past week
• Laptop and LCD
• Manila paper, meta cards, pentel pen, masking tape

Duration: 4 hours including session break

Important Note:
The content of this session guide may be done in two separate occasions should there be time
constraints. It is recommended that Session One ends after the Abstraction Session on Elements
of MG Instruction. Session 2 should start in the “Abstraction Session” part on Coaching
Dialogue.

Procedure
I. Introduction

Facilitator:
Hello! Welcome to our LAC session activity. I am _________, and I am your facilitator for this
session. Our topic is on Unpacking the MG Classroom Observation Tool.

Our objectives for this session are the following (Slide 2):
 • Discuss the purposes of the MG Classroom Observation Tool
• Identify the elements of effective MG instructional delivery
• Use the MG Classroom Observation Tool
• Explain the roles of the teacher and the school head during the Coaching Dialogue

II. Priming Activity (20 minutes)

This activity acknowledges the participants’ knowledge and understanding about the MG
classroom observation. It is important to start the session with what they know and build from
there.

Facilitator:
As teachers, we are all familiar with classroom observation tools. What tool/s do you currently
use to monitor and observe MG instruction in the classroom?
(Let them name the tool/s.)
For our first activity Let us Reflect and Share. (Show Slide 3.)

Divide the participants into three groups (minimum of two per group where there are few
participants) and have each group answer one point from the following (Show Slide 2).
Responses may be written on manila paper using a semantic web.

• (A) Purpose of classroom observation

• (B) Important classroom aspects to observe
• (C) What exactly happens after the observation? During the post-observation
conference?

III. Analysis (45 minutes)

After 10 minutes, ask Groups A and B to share and explain their responses. Ask the other
participants after each presentation if they have other responses not covered by the group who
just presented. Encourage the participants to give more detailed responses for each item.
Document the additional responses by adding this on the manila paper. If possible, attempt to
organize and classify additional responses under similar categories. For example, for important
classroom aspects to observe,

Group C will present their output later prior to the discussion on Coaching Dialogue.

Carefully synthesize the responses of the participants before proceeding to the next activity.

Facilitator
You have just reflected and shared the purposes for MG classroom observation and important
aspects we monitor in line with this. Let us now compare your responses with what we will
discuss as we unpack the MG Classroom Observation Tool.

IV. Abstraction (60 minutes)

• Purpose of the MG Classroom Observation Tool

This Classroom Observation Tool is primarily designed to support effective instructional

practices in multigrade set-ups. It can assist school heads and supervisors as they conduct
focused observations and monitor multigrade teachers over time. It covers comprehensive
elements of instructional delivery and contains clear indicators of what is expected in a
multigrade classroom that supports learning for diverse pupils. The end outcome of the use of
this tool is effective coaching and provision of support towards developing reflective multigrade
teachers.

(Show slide 4)
Discuss the specific purposes of the MG Classroom Observation Tool.

Compare this with the responses of Group A in their presented chart. Take note of the
similarities / differences. Highlight the keywords in Slide 3 and briefly elaborate these:
reflective teaching, support for teachers

Features of the MG Classroom Observation Tool

To optimize the use of this tool, it is best that every multigrade teacher has a copy of it at the start
of the school year. Regular examination of the mulitgrade delivery elements covered in this tool
would create awareness of essential factors that contribute to effective instruction. This can
encourage teachers to engage in reflective teaching on their classroom practices.

It is recommended that observations by the school head/supervisor be done a number of times

across the year. It is also important to carefully study the content of this classroom observation
tool prior to its use.

Now go back to the output chart of Group A. Ask the participants if there is anything to be added
to their chart after the discussion. Let them document this by adding the new idea to the chart,
preferably using a different color of marker.

• Elements of MG Instructional Delivery to Monitor in the Observation

Present the 5 main elements /aspects of MG instructional delivery for observation (Slide 5).

• Lesson Plan/Lesson Organization

• Instructional Practices & Strategies
• Lesson Delivery
• Use of Instructional Materials/ Technology
• Support for Diverse Learners
• Learning Assessment
• Learner Response and Behavior
• Classroom Environment and Culture
• Classroom Structure
• Classroom Culture
• Class Management
• Remedial / Enrichment Activities

Compare this with the output of Group B during the Priming Activity. Discuss the similarities
and differences. Ask the participants if there is anything to be added to their chart after the
discussion. Let them document this by adding the new idea to the chart, preferably using a
different color of marker.

Discuss the directions for use of the tool. At this point, give everyone a copy of the MG
Classroom Observation Tool since this will be a main reference during the session. Let them
take note that you will discuss the directions on how to use it and you will cover the elements
one at a time.

Directions on How to Use the MG Classroom Observation Tool

 • (Slide 6) It is UNLIKELY that ALL elements of MG instructional delivery would be
documented in a single classroom visit; hence, decide which among these elements would
be the observation focus. Inform the teacher of the MG element targeted for the
observation and when this will be done.

• (Slide 7) Fill out the details about the class to be observed. It is important to take note of
the date of observation. Multiple observations of the same MG element over a school
year would be good bases for supporting effective MG teacher practices. This can track
progress in specific instructional areas over time.

• Since observation of the MG classroom covers a number of levels, it is important to

monitor and rate the instructional and learning processes for each grade level.

• Request for the lesson plan of the teacher to be observed. Examine this carefully and
mark the first section of this tool under Lesson Plan (LP)/Organization. Check each item
under E (Evident) or NE (Not Evident) depending on the content of the LP. Then, note
the evidence under the Remarks column.

Discussion of the Elements of the MG Classroom Observation Tool

• Element 1: Lesson Plan/ Lesson Organization

(Show slide 8.) It is important to take note of the basis of the MG lesson plan. It is through
this that we can see what are available resources used by the teacher and how they use these.
Should they not have a copy of the other MG resources, the school head/supervisor should
plan how to make the materials accessible to them.

Show slides 9 to 13. Discuss the indicators under the element of lesson plan /organization.

• Element 2: Instructional Practices & Strategies

(Show slide 14.)
For Instructional Practices & Strategies, use this rating guideline. (Show slide 15.)
• Mark the item in the tool with 4, 3, 2, or 1. Take note of the evidence of your rating.

Show slides 16 to 28. Discuss the indicators under the element of Instructional Practices &
Strategies. You may also refer to the MG Classroom Observation Tool (pages 6 to 11).

• Element 3: Learner Response and Behavior

Show slides 29 to 30. Discuss the indicators under the element of Learner Response and
Behavior. You may also refer to the MG Classroom Observation Tool (page 12).
• For the elements under Instructional Practices & Strategies, Learner Response, and
Classroom Environment and Culture, use the following rating guidelines and mark the
item in the tool with 4, 3, 2, or 1. Take note of the evidence of your rating.

• Element 4: Classroom Environment and Culture

Show slides 31 to 37. Discuss the indicators under the element of Classroom Environment
and Culture. You may also refer to the MG Classroom Observation Tool (pages 13 to 15).

• Element 5: Remedial / Enrichment Activities

Show slides 38 to 41. Discuss the indicators under the element of Remedial / Enrichment
Activities. You may also refer to the MG Classroom Observation Tool (pages 15 to 16).

Application (45 minutes)

Have the teachers bring out one LP that they used the past few days. Have them use the MG
Classroom Observation Tool as they recall how they taught the lesson. Let them mark ratings for
themselves. They can discuss their ratings with a partner.

Reflection (20 minutes)

Discuss the following with the participants:
• IN what way/s is the MG Classroom Observation Tool similar / different to what you
currently use to monitor instructional delivery?
• How can MG Classroom Observation Tool influence the way you monitor and deliver
MG instruction in your classrooms?
• How useful is this tool in your line of work? Assess it from 1 to 10 with 10 being the
highest.
• What do you anticipate as advantages and challenges in using this tool?

Before ending the session, thank the participants for taking part in the session.