Appendix F: Post-Observation Debrief Form
The observer should provide the instructor with a high-level summary of their observations, along with any observation forms used (and anonymous student feedback, as applicable). It can be helpful for the observer to provide their debrief observation form to the instructor ahead of the debrief meeting; in other cases, an observer and/or instructor may prefer to meet first for an in-person discussion before providing the written documentation. In either case, the post-observation debrief meeting should occur within a week or two of the in-class observation. All observation forms should be shared with the instructor for their records.
Date of the debrief meeting: _____________________________
During the post-observation debrief meeting, the observer may choose to use the questions below to help guide a reflective discussion with the instructor. The goal of the meeting is for the observer and the instructor to reflect on the observation experience as an opportunity for reciprocal learning and professional growth.
Questions to consider for guiding the debrief meeting:
- What were some strengths of the observed lesson and the instructor’s teaching approach? Identify 1-2 key strengths the instructor should continue in their practice.
- What could the instructor consider changing or refining to enhance their teaching, and why? Identify 1-2 areas for refinement based on the observation and the instructor’s goals.
- What are some tangible steps that the instructor might implement to enhance their teaching? The observer might choose to share a teaching strategy from their own experience they believe might be helpful or share a resource.
- What is one thing that the observer learned from watching their peer teach? Share or reiterate something gained from the experience that the observer will take away with them and/or consider within their own teaching practice.