Classroom Observation Notes

Richard Dinko, Evaluator

Name: K. Edwards Course: Algebra 1

Period: 3 Date: 10/22/15
Number of Students: 19 Room: A308

Goal on board: Goal Posted on wall and on SmartBoard: By the end of this lesson you will be able
to graph linear functions.

9:28 Bell rings. Warm-up is on SmartBoard. Student comes to board and shows work and
answer- teacher affirms and reviews solution steps with the whole class.

9:32 Goal is posted and reviewed- student states learning target- Goals are posted on wall on a
poster with a list for the chapter- there is a bright pink sticker marking the goal for today.
Goal is also posted on the SmartBoard and discussed. Today they will be able to graph
linear functions.

9:35 f(x) notation is discussed. Function notation definition and general formula is displayed on
the SmartBoard as a clip of a textbook page. Teacher says- dont put this in your notes
until we discuss it. Teacher explains and shows example. Teacher explains what the
students are to copy into their notes from the slide.

9:37 Two sample problems are posted. Teacher steps them through the first problem. Second
one will be done on their own. Problem is worked out whole class through a series of
student questions and responses while the teacher scripted the work on the board.

9:40 Second problem is posted- students are to try this one on their own. Students work
quietly. Teacher checks in on a few students and advises corrections or next steps. A
student is chosen to put complete solution on the SmartBoard. Teacher reviews steps
with class and affirms the work and the answer.

9:47 Two sample problems are displayed. d(x)=11x-15; 40 Problem is solved. p(x)=14-4x; 26
Teacher asks- can I have a volunteer come up and do it at the board? A student
volunteers and goes to the board and works out the solution. All students are quiet and on
task.

9:51 Teacher transitions the topic to graphing the functions. Two functions are displayed with
blank graph grids. They are to graph the function and compare it to the graph of f(x)=x.
First function is graphed and compared to another. Teacher asks- what do we know about
these? Are they parallel? How do we know? Several questions are asked and students
respond.

9:54 Second graph is drawn and discussed. Teacher asks questions- cautions- be careful..
9:56 Word problem for the day is posted. A cable company charges a certain amount- reduces
fee for installation. Function is shown for the reduction. Students are to compare the
graphs and discuss what is similar or different. Students talk to a partner about each
graph. Teacher asks for responses about each. Students respond. Students choose
which cable option is the better deal.

9:59 Teacher transitions lesson to BINGO game. Students pass back papers with Function
Bingo on it. They are to place the numbers displayed on the SmartBoard in their bingo
spaces so that each bingo card ends up different.

10:02 Function is shown on board. Students solve for value. Once answer is agreed upon they
can circle that answer on their bingo card.

10:05 Second function is displayed. Students work out solution. More functions are displayed
and solved. Teacher examines and works with a student on solution.

10:08 Sixth function is displayed and solved. Student gets bingo. Pack of doughnuts is given to
student. More functions are displayed to see if additional students can get bingo.

10:12 Tenth function is displayed. Teacher cautions them about squaring a negative number-
calculator may give the wrong answer if you punch it in wrong. Another bingo is won.

10:14 Homework is posted on SmartBoard. Learning goal is posted. Teacher asks- did you
learn the learning goal today?

10:15 Bell rings. Class is dismissed.

Students were engaged and on-task throughout the lesson from the bell ringer warm-up, through
the notes and sample problems, and during the bingo game. The lesson was well organized and
paced. Use of the SmartBoard was effective and enhanced the note-taking and discussion. There
was a variety of teacher modelled problem solving with questioning and discussion, individual
student practice, and opportunity for students to share with the whole group. It was nice to see
students go up to and actually write on and use the SmartBoard. The bingo game was creative
and seemed fun and engaging.