What a pleasure--being observed by someone who actually knows math and knows how to teach.The lesson went well, but there were some very valid points made by the observer and I learned a lot from his comments.
There was no "gotcha." When he explained how he would have presented something differently than I did, I was able to explain why I did things my way and he listened. Even when he didn't necessarily agree, he got my reasons. I also saw his point and will definitely try things his way next time.
There was no comment about the boy who fell asleep or the girl whose cell phone I took. I didn't get reprimanded because a student walked in late and mostly I didn't get accused of not knowing my students because several did not volunteer answers during class. The blinds were not even and the observer did not say a word. And, the paper on the floor wasn't my fault either. The observation focused on what I taught, and what the kids learned.
I didn't mind the criticisms because I gained from this observation and in the long run, that is all that matters..
