Observation........to Next Steps

The Observation portion of Mathematics is to gather anecdotal information about your students and how they are engaging during instruction and implementing the Math Processes.

Observations should include, but are not limited to:
● recall number facts; 
● use and apply mental calculation strategies; 
● explain their solutions and methods; 
● use mathematical vocabulary; 
● interpret and describe properties of shape and space, tables, charts and graphs; 
● recognize and apply units of measure; 
● interpret and solve word problems. 
● understand the objective(s) of the lesson; 
● are confident in sharing and using their mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding; 
● use mathematical vocabulary and mathematical notation correctly; 
● have access to the necessary mathematical resources and can use them properly; 
● apply their mathematics and can describe their strategies and the reasons for their methods;
● respond to and engage in the lesson when the teacher is directing, explaining, illustrating, instructing, demonstrating, questioning, discussing or consolidating mathematical ideas 
(Source:  National Numeracy Strategy)
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/files_uploaded/uploaded_resources/19637/3317observingmaths.pdf

Teacher observations inevitably lead to Next Steps which can be implemented in the proceeding lesson, within guided group instruction, independent practice or within the Report Card.

A useful document to consider is The Effective Mathematics Classroom which offers ideas on how to effectively observe your students during math instruction and appropriate guiding questions to initiate for data collection.  The link is below:
http://www.researchgate.net/publictopics.PublicPostFileLoader.html?id=5523e3e8d039b15b488b461c&key=e07fc739-f73b-4de5-ba7e-6562eb761383

Observations can be anecdotal in nature and/or jot notes.  Examples of Observation forms are listed below:

The Curriculum Corner:
http://www.thecurriculumcorner.com/wp-content/pdf/mathobservations.pdf

Math Classroom Observation Checklist
https://www.andrews.edu/sed/leadership_dept/webinars/presentationdocuments/math_classroom_observation_checklist.doc