From: Section 1 of “Qualities of Effective Teachers” by, James H. Stronge
The Teacher Skills Assessment Checklists are based on a synthesis of the research presented throughout Qualities of Effective Teachers. The checklists are designed to help identify key indicators of effectiveness in a teacher's practice. Each effectiveness quality identified in a checklist includes multiple indicators of success. The checklists also provide a continuum for rating relative strengths and weaknesses, ranging from ineffective to master.
Before you use these checklists, read Section II which breaks down teacher responsibilities and behaviors in two categories, “Positive Qualities” and “Red Flags of Ineffective Teaching.”
APPLICATION & METHOD
1. Assess Others: You will use the checklists to assess the effectiveness of teachers you observe. Of course, as a student, you have a limited capacity to weigh relative strengths and weaknesses, so your assessment will act more as a tool to see whether or not the teacher uses the Indicators delineated under each Quality. Be sure that you have permission from the teacher to use this checklist (perhaps have her/him read this section).
Once you complete the checklist in this manner, ask if you may go over the results with the teacher who will be able to explain their strategies. Be sure to ask questions humbly rather than make assertions—remember you are the student! See Study Instruction 5e of the Course Syllabus.
2. Be Assessed by Others: When you begin your student teaching practicum, give a copy of the Checklists to your supervisor and ask them assess your teaching and then talk with you about the responses. Include the completed checklist along with a copy of your self-assessment in your Student Teaching Portfolio.
3. Assess Yourself: You may use the checklists as a self-assessment tool. If you have already taught, think back on your experience and “grade” yourself.
You may find it helpful to use the checklists after each student teaching practicum, repeating the process using a blank checklist, and then comparing your results with the previous one.
KEY TO THE TEACHER SKILLS CHECKLISTS
Master: Exhibits the quality such that others would be able to use the teacher as an expert for how to work with students. The teacher not only has a sense of the quality, but demonstrates an understanding of the essence of the quality.
Professional: A teacher who exhibits the quality most of the time.
Apprentice: The teacher demonstrates the quality to the degree necessary to make the classroom function. May lack fluidness of use, but the result is still effective.
Ineffective: A teacher who would benefit from more work on the quality in terms of working with a teacher at the professional or master level or taking classes.
Not observed: The observer has not seen evidence, either through demonstration or observation, of the quality.