Spring 2001 TIUA
Prof. Gregory/Prof. Danan

 

Willamette University Class Observation

Name: _______________________________

Class observation day and date: ______________________________________

The class name, time and location: ____________________________________

  • During class, show that you're paying attention by maintaining eye contact with the professor or the student who's talking. If you are taking notes about the class, still pay attention to the class. Take brief notes in class and then complete this observation sheet immediately after you observe the class.
  • Stay awake! It would be extremely impolite to sleep and it would jeopardize relations between Willamette and TIUA.
  • If it seems like the right thing to do, thank the professor before you leave: "Thank you very much for letting me visit your class. It was a valuable experience."

 

  • Complete this observation form and turn it in on Friday, March 2.
  • Read the questions carefully.
  • Write thoughtful, descriptive or analytical answers. Two or three-word answers are not acceptable. You don't need to use complete sentences. If you're describing something that happened in the class, use correct past tense forms.
  • Check your grammar and spelling!
  • Attach paper if you need more space

 

  1. Did you enjoy the class observation? Why or why not?

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  2. Did you learn anything from the experience (about culture, about education, about a subject)? What did you learn?

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  3. What, if anything, surprised you? Why did it surprise you?

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  4. What was the format of the class? Did the professor lecture? Did students give presentations or lead the class? Was there an all-class discussion? Describe what you saw.

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  5. Based on your brief observation, describe the relationship between the professor and the students. Is it the same or different from the relationship one might observe in Japan? Why do you think it's the same or why is it different? How does the professor-student relationship affect learning?

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  6. Did the students ask the professor questions? A lot? A few? Describe the kinds of questions asked (for example, asking for clarification, asking for more information, asking about assignments). Did the students offer their opinions or argue with the professor? What were the circumstances?

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  7. What major topic or topics were covered during the class?

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  8. Were the students taking notes? Did it seem the same as when Japanese students take notes in class? (Did they write as the professor talked or only copy what was written on the board or on visual aids such as overheads?)

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  9. Did the students talk to the professor during class? How did they talk to the professor? (What words did they use to get the professor's attention or introduce their question or comment?)

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  10. Approximately what percent of the spoken English did you understand? (Tell the truth -- I'm just curious.)

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  11. Is there anything else you observed that is especially interesting or that may help you or other TIUA students when they take a Willamette class?