TENURE PROCESS CLASSROOM OBSERVATION KATE PERKINS 2/19 COURSE: 090 BY KIM GOUDREAU OVERALL ASSESSMENT: Beginning with

the establishment of the theme of a five paragraph essay through preparation for the next phase in the process (i.e., next assignment) this was an impressive instructional session. More than anything this session was orchestrated in a manner that is bound to optimize the probability of students being able to competently, or better, write an essay for courses such as my own or opinion piece to the local newspaper. SIGNIFICANT POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES: Clarity of the objective and transition from previous work. Seamless integration of learning technology into the session as evidenced by student behavior. Utilization of verbal instruction, visual projections, group and individual interaction. When students were called upon to choose their own examples to insert into the mapping model a category of topics related to the example provided was chosen. There can be little doubt from the ease of interaction that the instructor had established an appealing learning environment. The session concluded with a call for questions and students were assisted through the first step of the phase in the process. SUGGESTIONS: (Based upon not knowing what preceded or will follow this excellent session.) I would simply suggest an occasional reference to the endgame of the process. For me, this would be the great advantage of being able to express your ideas in a clear and convincing way. Acquiring this skill is bound to make you more confident, effective, and even respected by those who may even disagree with you. Lastly, you may wish to pursue the point touched upon in the session regarding the models utility in controlling the essay. CONCLUSION: My overall assessment of this session is overwhelmingly positive. As indicated above, I have any number of students whose performance would benefit greatly from taking advantage of the kind of skillful instructional session demonstrated here.