ODU Student Observation Form

Lesson Topic: Muscular System Teacher: Emma Welte

Date: 10/24/23
Grade: 8 # of students in class: 29
Observer: Stacey Mata

Answer the following questions/descriptions for each section:

ACTIVITIES:
Provide a brief description of activities in lesson and the approximate time for each
activity

Muscle Matching Game. Students were given a sheet of paper with the name of a muscle, body
location or muscle function. Students were directed to hold the paper so only they could see it. A
student would then call on another student to see if they had a match to either the location,
function or muscle. If it was a match, the students got a new paper. If it wasn’t a match, the
student called on had the opportunity to call on another student to find a match.

STRATEGIES:
Describe the teaching style(s) used

Direct/Command/Student Centered

How does the teacher help students internalize essential knowledge? (ask questions,
have student re-state information, give examples)

Emma reviewed with the students the 3 types of muscles. She also reviewed major
muscles of the body and their locations.

How does the teacher encourage critical thinking through emphasizing accuracy and
clarity? (Link information to prior knowledge)
Emma restated the differences between the 3 types of muscles and encourages the
students to think about the muscles and if “you can move it, it is voluntary or skeletal, if
you can’t control it/involuntary, it may be smooth or cardiac and cardiac is only found in
the heart.”

MANAGEMENT:
Describe how the teacher organized and prepared the classroom prior to class.

Emma came prepared for the lesson with all the sheets with the muscles, functions and
body locations ready.

What stop/start signals are used?

Voice and whistle.

How are transitions between activities organized and implemented?

Very Good.

EQUIPMENT:
How is equipment distributed and collected?

Equipment had the papers ready prior to introducing the lessons.

STUDENTS’ BEHAVIOR:
How does the teacher help students develop a sense of comfort and order?

Emma exhibits a very kind and welcoming nature and students are drawn to her.
To what extent do students demonstrate that they feel positive about themselves, their
peers, their instructor, and the tasks they are assigned?

Students performed very well. They were actively engaged in the lesson. They are
confident enough to ask questions. They listen and respond appropriately to activity
prompts.

What characteristics does the teacher possess that makes the entire lesson an enjoyable,
productive experience for the students?

Emma is encouraging students to perform their best. Helps them with strategy to be
successful in the game. Students wanted to continue to play the game to be the next
tagger.

Explanation of Activity and Execution: Very Good.Clearly Stated Goals and Objectives of
the activity.

Feedback: Activity ran well. Students were engaged but also chatting if they were not
being called on at that moment.

Additional Feedback: Create multiple sets of laminated playing cards so this activity can
be played in multiple small groups of 2-3 kids versus the whole class. The game can be
played like Memory where cards are face down, students need to flip the card, match the
muscle, function and location before taking the cards off the board/floor. Student with
the most sets wins.