To conduct a systematic observation, you must have a set of criteria. Many primary schools, as well as universities, develop a rubric for evaluating instructors. The rubric may have criteria such as the method of instruction, interaction with students, effectiveness of the use of time, classroom discipline, as well as other categories that are more specific to the department or subject matter. The rubric ensures that all evaluations use the same criteria, which will facilitate more objective assessments if many classrooms are being evaluated or if a team of raters are evaluating a classroom.
Most evaluators notify the instructor a few days before they plan to conduct the evaluation. This notification will allow the instructor time to prepare, as well as ensures that the evaluators don't arrive on a day in which the instructor was planning to conduct a workshop, field trip or other activities that may not be typical of the instructor's average day. In addition, notifying the instructor allows the evaluators to request materials from the instructor in advance, such as the lesson plans or lecture notes she plans to use that day.
Sit in an unobtrusive place where you can observe both the instructor and the students. Do not interfere with the instructor's class session such as by participating in a classroom discussion, or you may inadvertently change the classroom dynamic or affect the evaluation. Refer to the rubric and take detailed notes. Write a few notes for each criterion on the rubric so you will remember the details later when you prepare the evaluation.
Prepare an evaluation report. In the report, include a copy of the completed rubric as well as a summary of what you observed. Then, provide a detailed written evaluation. Many evaluators strive to find good points as well as items to work on for each assessment. Then, meet with the instructor and go over the report with him. Answer any questions that he may have. He should then sign a statement that affirms that he was given a copy of his evaluation and that you discussed it with him.