Observations help teachers improve when the criteria are observable, evidence replaces impressions, and action
points are followed up. scripts/observation_form.py builds a form from the criteria bank;
scripts/observation_trends.py follows ratings across observations.
Trigger Conditions
Activate this skill when the user:
- Needs an observation form for language lessons (appraisal, peer observation, mentoring, accreditation)
- Wants a developmental (non-judgemental) observation process
- Has observation results and wants to see each teacher's trends
- Plans CPD from observation findings
Feedback moves in detail: recast-and-prompt-technique-coach. Programme evidence: language-program-review-writer.
Workflow
1. PURPOSE -> developmental, evaluative or training (references/observation-criteria.md)
2. FOCUS -> areas agreed with the teacher in a pre-observation meeting
3. FORM -> python scripts/observation_form.py --areas classroom engagement [--developmental]
4. OBSERVE -> timed evidence notes against look-fors; n/o for areas not seen
5. DEBRIEF -> teacher reflects first; questions; 1-2 action points with a review date
6. TRACK -> python scripts/observation_trends.py observations.csv
7. CPD -> support for areas flagged twice; invite teachers with strengths to shareOutput Format
The form (header, areas with criteria, look-fors, evidence and rating columns, strengths, action points), and for written feedback: strengths with evidence, development points with evidence, agreed actions. For trends: the per-teacher table and the CPD actions.
Scripts
python scripts/observation_form.py --areas all|<area words...> [--developmental] [--teacher "J. Doe"] [--date 2026-11-02]Exit codes: 0 printed, 2 bank unreadable or an area matches nothing.
python scripts/observation_trends.py observations.csv [--teacher "J. Doe"]Columns: teacher, date, area, rating (1-4 or n/o). Exit codes: 0 printed, 2 read error, bad rating or unknown teacher.
Additional Resources
| File | Content |
|---|---|
| observation-criteria.md | 23 criteria in 10 areas with look-fors, rating scale, developmental vs evaluative vs training observations, good practice |
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