A Made-To-Order Form For Instructional Evaluation (Weimer et al., 1988)

 

(Note: Items may be rated on a 5-point scale with anchors of “needs improvement” to “does well”. However, I suggest using the items to guide your viewing of the tape.)

 

Organization

 

* Begins class on time in an orderly, organized fashion

* Previews lecture/discussion content

* Clearly states the goal or objective for the period

* Reviews prior class material to prepare students for the content to be covered

* Provides internal summaries and transitions

* Does not digress often from the main topic

* Summarizes and distills main points at the end of class

* Appears well prepared for class

 

Presentation

 

* Incorporates various instructional supports like slides, films, diagrams, etc.

* Uses instructional support effectively

* Responds to changes in student attentiveness

* Uses a variety of spaces in the classroom from which to present material (i.e., does not “hide“ behind the podium)

* Blackboard writing is large and legible

* Speech fillers, for example, “OK” and “ahm”, are not distracting

* Speaks audibly and clearly

* Uses gestures to enhance meaning and not to release nervous tension (repetitive gestures tend to do the latter)

* Communicates a sense of enthusiasm and excitement toward the content

* Use of humor is positive and appropriate

* Presentation style facilitates note taking

* Speech is neither too formal nor too casual

* Establishes and maintains eye contact with class

* Talks to the class, not to the board or windows

* Varies the pace to keep students alert

* Selects teaching methods appropriate for the content

 

 

 

Rapport

 

* Praises students for contributions that deserve commendation

* Solicits student feedback

* Requires student thought and participation

* Responds constructively to student opinions

* Knows and uses student names

* Does not deprecate student ignorance or misunderstanding

* Responds to students as individuals

* Treats class members equitably

* Listens carefully to student comments and questions

* Tailors the course to help many kinds of students

* Recognizes when students do not understand

* Encourages mutual respect among students

 

Credibility and Control

 

* Responds to distractions effectively yet constructively

* Demonstrates content-competence

* Responds confidently to student inquiries for additional information

* Use authority in the classroom to create an environment conducive to learning

* Speaks about course content with confidence and authority

* Is able to admit error and/or insufficient knowledge

* Respects constructive criticism

 

Content

 

* Includes illustrations

* Selects examples relevant to student experiences and course content

* Integrates text material into class presentations

* Relates current course content to what’s gone before and will come after

* Relates current course content to students’ general education

* Makes course content relevant with references to “real world” applications

* Presents views other than own when appropriate

* Seeks to apply theory to problem solving

* Explicitly states relationships among various topics and facts/theory

* Explains difficult terms, concepts or problems in more than one way

* Presents background of ideas and concepts

* Presents pertinent facts and concepts from related fields

* Presents up-to-date developments in the field

* Relates assignments to course content

* Clearly organizes assignments

* Carefully explains assignments

 

Interaction

 

* Encourages student questions, involvement and debate

* Answers questions clearly and directly

* Uses rhetorical questions to gain student attention

* Gives students enough time to respond to questions

* Refrains from answering own questions

* Responds to wrong answers constructively

* Allows ample time for questions

* Encourages students to respond to each other’s questions

* Encourages students to answer difficult questions by providing cues and encouragement

* Allows relevant student discussion to proceed uninterrupted

* Presents challenging questions to stimulate discussion

* Respects diverse points of view

 

Active Learning

 

* Clearly explains directions or procedures

* Clearly explains the goal of the activity

* Has materials and equipment necessary to complete the activity readily available

* Allows opportunity for individual expression

* Provides practice time

* Gives prompt attention to individual problems

* Provides individuals constructive verbal feedback

* Careful safety supervision is obvious

* Allows sufficient time for completion

* Provides enough demonstrations

* Demonstrations are clearly visible to all students

* If the discovery method is employed, schedules time for discussion of results

* Required skills are not beyond reasonable expectations for the course and/or students

* Provides opportunities for dialogue about the activity with peers and/or the instructor

* Allocates sufficient clean up time within class session