Interviewing Your Cooperating Teacher on Classroom Routines (Danielson Domain 2C)
Preparation:
Before interviewing your cooperating teacher, review Danielson’s Framework for Teaching, specifically Domain 2C: Managing Classroom Procedures. This will help you understand the focus of the interview and tailor your questions effectively.
Interview Questions:
- Establishing Routines:
How did you decide on the established classroom routines in general? Did a particular theoretical framework inform your approach?
Possible Teacher Response:
The teacher might discuss a specific framework like Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) or a more general approach based on creating a predictable and positive learning environment. They might mention student input or collaboration with colleagues in developing routines.
- Encouraging Routine Adherence:
During the lesson, what factors contributed to your decision to use different strategies/tools to encourage students to follow all classroom routines?
Possible Teacher Response:
The teacher might discuss how they adapt strategies based on the specific routine (e.g., visual cues for transitions, verbal reminders for sharpening pencils). They might also mention factors like the students’ age, lesson complexity, or individual needs.
- Student Behavior and Routines:
How did you use students’ behavior to inform your classroom routines to ensure little or no loss of instructional time?
Possible Teacher Response:
The teacher might explain how they observe student struggles with routines and adjust them accordingly. This could involve simplifying routines, providing additional practice, or offering positive reinforcement for following procedures.
- Coherence with Other Adults:
How do you go about ensuring coherence in the instructional procedures provided by different adults in the classroom (e.g., specialists, assistants)?
Possible Teacher Response:
The teacher might discuss collaborating with other adults to ensure consistency in routines across different settings or using shared visual cues and expectations.
5. Insights and Future Instruction:
Based on your observation and interview notes, analyze your insights regarding the importance of managing classroom procedures.
Here’s a Template for Highlighting Insights:
Insight 1: (Describe a specific observation about routine management)
Example: During a group activity, I noticed the teacher used clear instructions and assigned roles to ensure a smooth transition and minimal disruption.
How will this inform your instruction?
I will incorporate clear instructions and role assignments when planning group activities in my future lessons.
Insight 2: … (Follow the same structure for 2 more insights)
Remember:
- Take detailed notes during the interview.
- Capture specific examples from your observation to support your insights.
- Relate these insights to a theoretical framework that aligns with your observations.
By reflecting on your cooperating teacher’s approach and your own observations, you can gain valuable knowledge about managing classroom routines and improve your future lesson planning.
