Chapter 11: Lessons Learned from Developing a Learning-Focused Classroom Observation Form

Abstract

At the United States Air Force Academy, we are attempting to go through a cultural transformation, making an overt shift toward a more learning-focused paradigm. In this chapter, we describe the nature of this transformation, as well as why we have chosen to move in this direction. We also describe one specific initiative we have undertaken: the development of a new learning-focused classroom observation form. We conclude by sharing a baker's dozen lessons we have learned about classroom observation, effective teaching, and faculty development in general as a result of having developed this form.