Classroom Observation Tasks: A Resource Book for Language Teachers and Trainers (Cambridge Teacher Training and Development) by Wajnryb, Ruth (March 26, 1993) Paperback
Classroom Observation Tasks shows how to use observation to learn about language teaching. It does this by providing a range of tasks which guide the user through the process of observing, analysing and reflecting, and which develop the skills of observation. It contains a bank of 35 structured tasks which are grouped into seven areas of the learner, the language, the learning process, the lesson, teaching skills and strategies, classroom management, and materials and resources. This book is suitable for teachers, trainee teachers, teacher trainers and others involved in school-based teacher support, teacher development and trainer training. It has a comprehensive introduction to the tasks and a rationale covering the theoretical issues involved and places the responsibility for professional growth in the hands of the teacher.
Read this as part of my MA in TESOL programme. The importance of identifying in advance specific aspects of what one could or should be observing is a principle that I have successfully applied to many areas of my professional career, e.g. international election observations.