Observation Learning Log (IPT) TE206 TEIP6219

The IIE Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase

Teaching (IPT)
2nd Year

Observation Learning Log (TE206)

2024

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Observation Learning Log (IPT) TE206 TEIP6219

Table of Contents
Preamble ................................................................................................................................................. 3
Guidelines for Classroom Observation ................................................................................................... 4
Task Instructions ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Task 1: General Classroom Observations............................................................................................ 5
Task 2: Subject-Specific Observations................................................................................................. 7
Annexure A: Lesson Observation Template............................................................................................. 8

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Observation Learning Log (IPT) TE206 TEIP6219

Preamble
You should dedicate your first week of Teaching Experience to observe and learn from your Mentor
Teacher and complete all tasks in your Observation Learning Log. These observation tasks require you
to observe and analyse teaching and learning strategies, teaching, and learning support materials, ICT
integration in the classroom, classroom management strategies and diverse learning needs. You will be
required to think critically about teaching and learning in the Grade 5 classroom. The general classroom
observations and subject-specific observations will scaffold your opportunities to learn from practice in
the classroom and develop your ability to teach lessons and manage the Grade 5 classroom
independently.

This Observation Learning Log (TE206) constitutes 25% of your final TEIP6219 PoE as per the table
below:

TEIP6219 LOGS WEIGHTING

Confidential School Report (in TE202) 5%
Service-learning Log (TE205) 10%
Observation Learning Log (TE206) 25%
Teaching Log (TE207) 50%
Reflective Log (TE208) 10%

This Observation Learning Log (TE206) contains tasks that have been designed to draw your attention
to specific areas in your classroom observation. You are required to complete all the activities in this
Observation Learning Log (TE206) as part of your final PoE for Teaching Experience.

OBSERVATION LEARNING LOG (TE206) TASK SUMMARY MARKS WEIGHTING

Task 1: General Classroom Observations 50 marks 25%
1.1. Teaching and Learning Strategies (10 marks)
1.2. Learning and Teaching Support Materials (10 marks)
1.3. ICT Integration in the Classroom (10 marks)
1.4. Classroom Management Strategies (10 marks)
1.5. Learning Support (10 marks)
Task 2: Specific Subject Observations 40 marks
2.1. Observation of English Lesson (10 marks)
2.2. Observation of Mathematics Lesson (10 marks)
2.3. Observation of Natural Science & Technology Lesson (10
marks)
2.4. Observation of First Additional Language Lesson (10 marks)

NOTE: All tasks completed in the Observation Learning Log (TE206) must be uploaded under ‘My
Portfolio’ on LEARN on the link provided.

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Observation Learning Log (IPT) TE206 TEIP6219

Guidelines for Classroom Observation

What follows in the Observation Learning Log are focused observation tasks designed to:

• Make you aware of the dynamics within a Grade 5 classroom.

• Critically observe the daily programme in a Grade 5 classroom focussing on various aspects.
• Link classroom theory and reflect on various activities.
• Be critical of teaching methodologies.
• Learn about classroom management.
• Understand the needs of your learners.
• Engage with the subject content.

Be mindful of:
• Vague generalities such as “nice lesson”, “interesting and well presented”
• Questioning the integrity of the decisions made by the school.
• Evaluating. You are here only to observe and learn.
• Passing judgement on your host school.
• Becoming overly familiar with staff or learners.

Guidelines on the Observation Learning Log.

• You may take notes during your observation tasks, but you CANNOT complete your Observation
Learning Log during this time. This must be done outside of classroom time.
• You may need to move some tasks around to accommodate the school schedule but ensure
that all tasks are completed.
• Remain gainfully involved in all lessons as a support to the teachers and an extension to your
learning experience.

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Observation Learning Log (IPT) TE206 TEIP6219

Task Instructions
Task 1: General Classroom Observations
DESCRIPTION
Classroom observation plays an important role in developing your observation skills and is a critical
opportunity for you to learn from experiences in the classroom. Some of the areas you will focus on
in this Observation Learning Log include learners’ interactions with the mentor teacher, discipline
and management styles, teaching strategies, ICT integration and the use of Learning and Teaching
Support Materials. It is important to highlight that you are not evaluating your mentor teacher during
the completion of these tasks. You are merely, observing and collecting information on specific
aspects of your experiences in the classroom.
INSTRUCTIONS
In Task 1 of your Observation Learning Log (TE206) you are required to complete the five (5) tasks
below. Answer these questions in one word document, pdf and label this document as Observation
Learning Log: Task 1.

Submission Instructions:
• Task 1 should be submitted as one (1) typed document, which includes your answers to each
task below (Tasks 1.1 to Task 1.5).
• Submit Task 1: General Classroom Observations on ‘My Portfolio’ on Learn, under the link to
your Observation Learning Log.
Note: The Lecturer/Supervisor will mark the Observation Learning Log, using the rubric included
in the Institutional Assessment Log & Report (TE203)
Task 1.1. Teaching and Learning Strategies (10 marks)
In your observation of lessons taught in this class, consider the teaching and learning strategies
used and answer the questions below (+- 200 words):
• Name the teaching strategies you have observed being used by your Mentor Teacher.
• Choose one teaching strategy you have observed and explain how it was used to teach a
particular lesson.
• Why/why not was this an effective strategy to teach this lesson?
• How will the observation of the teaching and learning strategies used by the Mentor Teacher
inform your teaching practice?
Task 1.2. Learning and Teaching Support Materials (LTSM) (10 marks)
In your observation of lessons taught in this class, consider types of Learning and Teaching Support
Materials (LTSM) used by the Mentor Teacher to facilitate teaching and learning and answer the
questions below (+- 200 words):
• Identify two types of Learning and Teaching Support Materials (LTSM) used by the Mentor
Teacher to facilitate teaching and learning.
• Describe how the two types of Learning and Teaching Support Materials identified were
integrated into the lesson to promote teaching and learning.
• Discuss how you could include these examples of Learning and Teaching Support Material to
design learning in your teaching.
If no Learning and Teaching Support Materials were used in any lessons observed complete the
below. Choose one lesson you observed:

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• What specific Learning and Teaching Support Materials would you introduce into this lesson to
support the lesson objectives?
• Discuss how Learning and Teaching Support Materials could be used in a lesson you observed
to improve the learning experience and engagement of the learners.
Task 1.3. ICT Integration in a Classroom (10 marks)
Worldwide research has shown that ICT can lead to improved student learning and better teaching
methods. Does your Host School integrate technology into teaching and learning?

If yes, answer the questions that follow (+- 200 words):

• Provide two examples of how ICT has been integrated into teaching and learning in the
classroom by the Mentor Teacher.
• Detail the impact of these technologies on teaching and learning and offer an opinion on
learner engagement in a technology-rich environment.
• Elicit one key takeaway from this task.

If no, answer the questions that follow (+- 200 words):

• Identify 2 ways to assist this school get started with ICT integration in the classroom given this
school’s resources and the diversity of learners.
• What would be the benefit of technology in this context?
• Discuss this with a teacher and suggest possible software applications that may suit the school
context.
Task 1.4. Classroom Management Strategies (10 marks)
In your classroom observations consider any classroom management strategies used by the Mentor
Teacher and answer the questions below (+- 200 words):
• Describe one strategy or tool your Mentor Teacher uses to maintain a positive learning
environment.
• Explain what classroom management strategy or tool you will implement to maintain a positive
learning environment when teaching your required lessons.
Task 1.5. Learning Support (10 marks)
Classroom teachers are responsible for supporting the learning needs of all learners in their
classroom. In your classroom observations, consider the following (+- 200 words):
• Discuss the diversity amongst the learners in this classroom (consider home language, culture,
specific learning needs/barriers to learning).
• How are the diverse learning needs of all learners in this class supported? Give examples.
TOTAL 50 MARKS

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Task 2: Subject-Specific Observations

DESCRIPTION
In completing specific lesson observations, the focus will be on how the teacher teaches, how the
teacher creates a positive atmosphere for learning, on the teaching strategies and procedures used
by the teacher in setting up activities, on the way the teacher gives instructions and explanations,
and how he or she gives feedback to learners. This is an opportunity to observe new techniques,
strategies and the use of resources from qualified and experienced teachers.
INSTRUCTIONS
In Task 2 of your Observation Learning Log (TE206) you are required to complete four (4) subject-
specific observations and complete a Lesson Observation Template for each. The Lesson Observation
Template can be found in Annexure A of this document.

Submission Instructions:
• Each subject-specific lesson observation for Task 2 should be typed up on the Lesson
Observation Template.
• Click here to access to editable version of the Lesson Observation Template. No handwritten
submissions will be accepted.
• Save all four (4) lesson observations as one document, pdf and upload on Learn.
• Submit Task 2: Subject-specific Observations on ‘My Portfolio’ on Learn, under the link to your
Observation Learning Log.
Note: The Lecturer/Supervisor will mark the Observation Learning Log, using the rubric included
in the Institutional Assessment Log & Report (TE203).

Task 2.1. Observation of English Lesson (10 marks)

• Observe at least one Grade 5 English lesson.
• Use the Annexure A: Lesson Observation Template to write notes as you observe.
• Type up you lesson observations in Annexure A: Lesson Observation Template.
• Submit as per the instructions above.
Task 2.2 Observation of Mathematics Lesson (10 marks)
• Observe at least one Grade 5 Mathematics lesson.
• Use the Annexure A: Lesson Observation Template to write notes as you observe.
• Type up you lesson observations in Annexure A: Lesson Observation Template.
• Submit as per the instructions above.
Task 2.3. Observation of Natural Science and Technology Lesson (10 marks)
• Observe at least one Grade 5 Natural Science and Technology lesson.
• Use the Annexure A: Lesson Observation Template to write notes as you observe.
• Type up you lesson observations in Annexure A: Lesson Observation Template.
• Submit as per the instructions above.
Task 2.4. Observation of a First Additional Language Lesson (10 marks)
• Observe at least one Grade 5 FAL lesson.
• Use the Annexure A: Lesson Observation Template to write notes as you observe.
• Type up you lesson observations in Annexure A: Lesson Observation Template.
• Submit as per the instructions above.
TOTAL 40 MARKS

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Observation Learning Log (IPT) TE206 TEIP6219

Annexure A: Lesson Observation Template

Click here to download an editable version.

Lesson Information
Subject:
Lesson Topic:
Grade:
Duration of lesson
Lesson Observations
Describe the CAPS specific focus of this lesson.
• Consult the CAPS termly focus for the subject
area and identify the concepts, content and
skills that map to this lesson.

What are the specific learning objectives of this

lesson?
Describe how the classroom is physically
arranged. Explain how the classroom layout does
or does not support this lesson.
Describe the Introduction:
• How did the teacher get learners motivated,
curious and ready to learn?
• How did the teacher introduce the topic?
• How did the teacher provide a sense of
direction by outlining the lesson objectives?

Describe the teaching and learning:

• What content did the teacher cover?

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• What teaching strategy/s did the teacher

use?
• Did this/these strategy/s suit the content?
Say why.
• Was the lesson effectively paced?
• How did the teacher address learners with
special needs or learning barriers?

Describe the resources the teacher used. If there

weren’t any available, suggest what the teacher
might have used.
Describe the conclusion.
• Describe how the teacher drew the lesson to
a close.
• Explain how the teacher prepared the
learners for the next lesson.

What assessment techniques, if any, did the

teacher use to assess learning?
• What elements of the content covered did
the teacher assess?
• When did the teacher assess the learners?
• How did the teacher assess the learners?

Reflection Questions
• Describe aspects of the lesson that worked
well.
• Re-visit the lesson objectives. Were they
achieved?

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