Observation Checklist

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Observation Checklist Format

Observer Information

• Observer Name:
• Date of Observation:
• Location:
• Time:
• Observer Role/Position:

Checklist Details

• Observation Focus/Objective:
• Criteria for Observation:

Observation Criteria and Ratings

Note: Add or remove criteria as necessary based on the focus of the observation.

Performance Rating

Provide an overall performance rating based on observations.

• Rating Scale (e.g., 1–5):
  • 1 – Needs Improvement
  • 2 – Below Average
  • 3 – Satisfactory
  • 4 – Good
  • 5 – Excellent
• Overall Rating:

Observer Comments

Provide detailed comments on each criterion or general observations.

Action Items/Recommendations

Outline any recommended actions or improvements based on the observation.

• Action Item 1:
• Action Item 2:
• Action Item 3:

Observer Signature

• Observer Signature:
• Date:

What is an Observation Checklist?

An observation checklist is a document that contains a list of questions that an observer must answer while observing or evaluating someone’s performance, skills, and other factors in the prepared criteria. In most cases, observation checklists apply to school-related assessment checklists. As of 2017–2018, there were even 130,930 K–12 schools in the US, as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). And an observation form is no stranger to each school since there are standards set on how teachers handle classes, what the school environment should be like, etc. Thanks to the checklist, observations run easily until gaps or issues that need to be solved will be identified. So, solutions and strategies will follow for development.

Based on a 2017–2018 survey, around 130,930 K–12 schools existed in America.

Also, the US Census Bureau reported that in 2017, approximately 76.4 million students were enrolled in school.

Meanwhile, NCES stated that nearly 3.3 million public school teachers, both full-time and part-time, worked in 2017–2018.

Why Are Observation Checklists Important?

Observation checklists are useful to prepare observation forms easily and quickly. Bear in mind that the checklist can work in two ways: (1) a list of how to prepare and make the observation form and (2) a list of what observers should observe. Users only need to depend on the checklist as they are guided on what to do first until last. More so, the checklist serves as a reliable assessment report tool. You can monitor what to observe, record, or evaluate in real-time. After following and answering the document, you gather insights about how a subject is doing and find out if the subject passes the standards or not.

Do not forget that observation checklists are versatile in terms of function. Indeed, you often see the checklist in school, like when a senior teacher evaluates how a new teacher’s performance. In fact, NCES said that about 3.3 million part-time and full-time public school teachers worked in 2017–2018. And observations are essential to check if every teacher is effectively doing their job. But aside from teaching, you can apply observations among customer service representatives, religious organizations, research enterprises, and even the general workplace report. You can assess if an employee is fit enough to be a leader and in any context. Do not limit its uses.

Examples of Observation Checklists

Yes, observation checklists apply to various functions. But let us dig further into understanding how the checklist helps in each application. Besides understanding the list’s importance, it is vital to fully understand what it does and apply it in the first place. You can also see more on Classroom Checklist. So without further ado, here are some of the common examples of observation checklists:

What Are the Main Areas to Focus on Observation Checklists?

Generally, expect three main areas to focus on in an observation checklist. Each area plays a great role in ensuring you come up with effective observation forms. So if one factor is absent, there is a chance for the outcome in observations to be ineffective. You can also see more on Training Checklists. Ensure that your observation checklist consists of the following:

Effective Planning

Any observation checklist should come with a proper strategic plan. Without a sense of preparedness, there is a big chance for the observation to be less effective than expected. Take time to plan how the observation form should turn out. There are many factors to consider, like the observation checklist’s design, format, and content.

Relevant Criteria

There are questions and criteria laid out in the form. But double-check if everything listed there is relevant to what you are observing. Maybe you failed a teacher for not discussing mathematics, yet he or she is an English teacher. It works best to prepare an audit questionnaire on what you can observe for your subject and that every question is relevant to your subject.

Feasible Checklist

Aside from relevance, a feasibility analysis is another important aspect to consider in the observation checklist. Maybe you wanted the teacher to finish discussing a long topic effectively in under five minutes. Do you think that is practical? Of course not. And the tip in considering how feasible the criteria and things to observe are is to evaluate your subject’s skills, behavior, and duration of services. But the criteria may depend on what context you evaluate and who your subject is.

How to Create an Observation Checklist

You just learned the observation sample checklist‘s meaning, significance, examples, and key areas. Now apply all your knowledge in making the observation checklist itself. You will be guided, though, so expect the process to run easily. And in just four simple steps, you can create an efficient observation checklist in no time.

Step 1: Determine Your Main Purpose

First things first, what is your observation checklist for? Are you focusing on an employee observation checklist? Or perhaps, you need the checklist for evaluating students. There were even 76.4 million students enrolled in school last 2017. And it is no surprise how common student observation checklists are. But whatever your reason and purpose for the evaluation are, do not forget it. Otherwise, you might not come up with a checklist that is relevant to your main purpose.

Step 2: Download the Appropriate Template

Next, choose a template. Focus on getting the appropriate observation checklist template, and that is where your purpose is relevant. Do not choose a classroom observation template if you are working on personal observation. After downloading, you can already customize the template down from its style, format, and so forth. Tweak the template according to your desired output for the observation document. And fill in the rest of the details.

Step 3: List the Necessary Criteria and Questions

As you fill in the details, make sure to include the needed questions and criteria for the upcoming observations. In judging a student’s book report, you can observe the student’s engagement to the topic as your way to evaluate if he or she did some reading before even reporting. And for the employee observation checklist, ensure that you set job-related questions. You can also add choices in answering close-ended questions here.

Step 4: Polish the Checklist’s Design and Content

After you add everything in the template, polish your work. That means the list should not simply be enumerated but also arranged. Observe the right sequence, so you create a smooth flow when you follow the checklist. Most importantly, improve the checklist’s content and design. Maybe the list seems incomplete in detail, so you have to specify and expound on some parts further. Also, the design might seem bland. Enhance its presentation for a better effect. And once you are happy with the final touches, launch it. You can also see more on Thesis Checklist.

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