Class observations and reports

You are going to conduct two class observations, preferably of beginning or intermediate level foreign language classes. One is to be done in the next four weeks. The other is during the second half of this semester. The objectives of your classroom observations are 1) to learn how a foreign language lesson is taught, and 2) relate your observations to the recommended practices as discussed in class.

Your first observation will focus on the overall class time organization, learning activities and teaching approaches of the class.

Instructions

Due dates

  • First report: October 17, 2024
  • Second report: November 21, 2024

Who to observe/which class to observe

You can choose any foreign language class either online, on MTSU campus or at a local school.

  • Online/on MTSU campus: Any foreign language class, taught by either a professor or GTA.
  • Off campus: Any class in an instructional setting.

NOTE: It is suggested that one of your observations is in a language that you don't speak but close or similar to your target language so that you can focus on how the class is taught.

Before class

  1. Plan your observations ahead of time. Contact the instructor whose class you'd like to observe. Write to him/her asking for permission. Tell him/her that you are conducting the observation as part of the FL4500/FL5500 course requirement and will write an observation report. Mention IN PARTICULAR that
    1. the purpose of your observation is to learn how to teach;
    2. your report will not identify the instructor; and
    3. you are going to give him/her a copy of your finished checklist and report.
  2. Email the checklist to the instructor before class. (Follow the link to download the pdf file and send it to the instructor.)

In class

Use the checklist and record what you observe. Make notes about some concrete examples you observe.

After class

Turn in your checklist. In addition, write a narrative about what you have observed. For example,

  1. The overall organization of the class, i.e., time allocation. Briefly describe all class activities. Does the class follow the five-phrase structure?
  2. What kind of input is provided to students? How is the input provided? Is the input comprehensible and/or meaningful?
  3. Are there any (communication) problems in the class? If so, any suggestions for improvement?

Email your report to the instructor and THANK him/her!