When communicating positive comments for a peer observation in a Montessori classroom, do not rely on emails or notes to the teacher. Montessori schools stress the importance of face-to-face interaction, and your comments to a teacher should follow those same principles. For instance, schedule a meeting with the teacher so that you can discuss your positive comments in person. The meeting gives the teacher a chance to ask questions. If possible, include any other peers involved with the observation process in your meeting.
Do not rely on vague, positive comments when discussing the teacher's peer observation. Use specific examples of when the teacher performed well. For instance, the teacher may have performed particularly well in incorporating a student-created lesson consistent with the Montessori style of learning. If this is the case, point out the lesson and any other examples. Vague observations may not help the teacher hone his abilities or strengths in the classroom.
Use comparisons to illustrate your positive comments toward the teacher during a peer observation. For instance, if you have data about the progress of other Montessori schools in the area or in your own building, use it to positively comment on the teacher's methods. Test scores from other Montessori schools or passing rates may be used to reinforce your comments. However, you must use data from age groups similar to that of the teacher's. For example, if the teacher is responsible for students aged 6 to 9, make comparisons using the same age group.
Peer observers can suggest improvements to the teacher's methods through positive comments. For instance, if a teacher's method for teaching math concepts using all five senses works particularly well, make a positive comment about the method and suggest that the teacher focus on perfecting the method. Peer observers can also suggest that the teacher use a successful method when teaching other concepts in a Montessori classroom.