Student Teacher Observation Checklist

This is a general checklist that is very similar to the one a student teacher would receive from their college professor. 

Here you will find a question or statement followed by specific areas the cooperating teacher will be observing the student teacher on.

1. Is the student teacher prepared?

• Do they have an organized, detailed lesson plan and all materials needed?

2. Do they have knowledge of the subject matter and a purpose?

• Can the student teacher answer students' questions? Can he/she motivate students to peak their interest in the subject matter?

3. Can the student teacher control students' behavior?

• Keep their attention
• Involve students in the lesson
• Stop lesson when needed
• Aware of individual needs
• Provide positive reinforcement

4. Does the student teacher stay on topic?

• Do they follow a logical sequence?

5. Is the student teacher enthusiastic about the lesson they are teaching?

• Are students excited shown through class participation and behavior?
• Are the activities appropriate?

6. Does the student teacher have the ability to:

• Stay on topic?
• Give directions?
• Reach objectives?
• Vary questions?
• Involve students?
• Encourage participation and thinking?
• Summarize lesson?

7. Is the student teacher able to present:

• Enthusiasm?
• Details?
• Flexibility?
• Speech and grammar?

8. Do students actively participate in class activities and discussions?

• Are students attentive and interested?
• Are students cooperative and responsive?

9. How do the students respond to the student teacher?

• Do they follow directions?
• Do they display understanding?
• Are they respectful?

10. Does the teacher communicate effectively?

• Provide visual aids
• Tone of voice

Here you will find several topics that can be observed during a single lesson.

1. General appearance and demeanor

• Dresses appropriately
• Good posture, animation, and smiles

2. Preparation

• Provides and follows a lesson plan
• Has knowledge of the material
• Is organized
• Is creative
• Provides teaching aids

3. Attitude towards the classroom

• Respects students
• Listens to students
• Enthusiastic
• Displays a sense of humor
• Has patience and sensitivity
• Helps students when needed

4. Effectiveness of lessons

• Motivates through instruction and presentation
• Meets objectives
• Stays on topic
• Paces lesson
• Encourages class participation
• Carefully directs and explains expectations
• Uses effective questioning
• Ability to summarize the lesson
• Has a concluding activity
• Correlates lesson with other subjects

5. Presenter effectiveness

• Speaks clearly using proper grammar
• Avoids using colloquialisms such as "you guys" and "yeah"
• Attentive to details
• Has confidence
• Board writing is legible
• Maintains authority

6. Classroom management and behavior

• Does not embarrass, use sarcasm, or argue with students
• Remains an adult at all times
• Does not tolerate or dwell on inappropriate behavior
• Keeps lesson flowing and knows when to stop or wait

Here you will find a list of questions that are used in the self-evaluation process by a student teacher.

1. Are my objectives clear?
2. Did I teach my objective?
3. Is my lesson timed well?
4. Do I remain on one topic too long or too short?
5. Do I use a clear voice?
6. Was I organized?
7. Is my handwriting legible?
8. Do I use proper speech?
9. Do I move around the classroom enough?
10. Did I use a variety of teaching materials?
11. Do I show enthusiasm?
12. Do I have make good eye-contact with the students?
13. Did I explain the lesson effectively?
14. Were my directions clear?
15. Did I show confidence and knowledge of the subject?

If you want to further prepare yourself for a student teacher role, you can familiarize yourself with the roles and responsibilities of a student teacher, and find out what the experience is really like.