For those using the Ultimate CI Book 1, the following eight steps can be used for when you get observed. So if you have a formal observation coming up this spring, I recommend watching these two videos, which address not just the classroom observation but what to say in the pre-observation meeting. Then, after watching the videos, you can make a checklist of the eight things you need to do to get through the class, put it on your desk, and take off around the Star. For a regular 50 min. class in a level 1 class, I stop at the end of Phase 2, instead of trying to get around the entire Star and its five phases (can only be done in a block class).
Here are the video links:
Video 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gy_xdS0jJUk
Video 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNlj0QLi7xI&t=29s
Here are the steps to use for the observation:
- Write the objective on the board before the class.
- Discuss the objective with the students. (2-3 min.)
- Review (for the observer to get the box checked) how your students will be graded.(3-4 min.)
- Pick a student card. (10-30 sec.)
- Build a tableau with the student card. (5-15 min.)
- With the tableau finished, begin Phase 2 of the Star with the Review. (2-3 min.)
- Do the Reveal, the 2nd activity in Phase 2 (4-6 min.)
- Give the Quick Quiz, the 3rd activity in Phase 2 (6-8 min.)
Estimated total time required* for this observation: 22-39 min.
*Notes:
- It is quite easy to gauge your minutes while the class is happening. Just check the time periodically and shorten or lengthen the time you spend on any one of the above steps.
- If you end the above process in only 20-25 min. in a 50 min. class, go on to Phase 3 (write the finished tableau out on the whiteboard) and even Phase 4 (the nine reading activities).
- If you teach on a block, keep rolling and you may even get to the Phase 5 reading activities.
With the Star, you won’t ever get caught not knowing what to do next. Just keep rolling. That’s why the Star is ideal for block classes.