We trained ourselves as observers to reliably document instruction in the lessons we observed based on our modification
of Newmann «s assessment
of authentic instruction.313 We recorded what we saw and heard on an
observation form that included two
main sections: 1) basic information about the context, details
of the lesson, how class time was used, how students were organized for instruction and learning, the
kinds of technology used during the lesson, and a description
of any positive or negative features in the classroom; and 2) assessments
of instruction using four
of Newmann's five standards
of authentic instruction: higher order thinking, deep knowledge, substantive conversation, and connection to the world beyond the classroom.