Observation from Nancy Celente

Hello Dan,

November 21, 2014

Thanks for inviting me in to see your Chemistry lab. I would like to share some of
my observations with you.

Demonstrates a mastery of content knowledge appropriate to ones teaching

assignment.
The plan for the class was an experiment involving the evaporation of an alcohol.
The students were introduced to the experiment designed to use the
temperature probe technology to measure the change in temperature for
different alcohol samples. You worked with the class to come up with a preview
of what they would observe in the lab and also how that fit in with previous
knowledge. One of the most noteworthy observations that I recognized was the
clarity with regard to your expectations for the lab and the detailed feedback
that you were able to offer to the students.

Demonstrates a high level of instructional effectiveness.

You masterfully guided the students through the ninety minutes of the lab
period. Your thorough preparation, not only with regard to what they would
need for each step, but also recognizing where they would probably run into
challenges, was a testament to your experience with this course. The students
moved from their desks to the lab stations with direction and understanding of
what exactly they should be doing and why. The entire class was high
functioning and your ability to circulate among groups, anticipate their
questions and redirect the question back to them allowed for a very student
centered activity. Also worth noting, your awareness and communication to the
students of the safety issues involved in the lab. Other than some routine
prompting about goggle use, put them on your eyes and off your forehead- all
appropriated safety guidelines were in place.

Demonstrates an interest in and ability to structure a positive and supportive

learning environment for students that builds competence and confidence.
One of the strengths of your teaching that I noted during my last visit and that
was evident again was your ability to balance between freedom to explore and
directions for the procedure. Instead of just answering the questions that the
students have, you are able to turn the question back to them and have them
consider the possible answers. This freedom to make mistakes and know that
they are capable of coming up with solutions is priceless. This is the balance
that we should all be working toward in our classrooms. My favorite momentwhen all of the groups seemed to recognize, within five minutes of each other,
that one of the alcohol samples was eating away at the rubber bands for the

probes. Instead of panicking and adding to their stress, you asked them, OK now
how can we fix this issue, where do we need to make a change and what should
we do? As a class they came up with the idea of using the tape to secure the
paper and it was a terrific example of teamwork and problem solving.
All of the groups finished the lab activity and were able to complete multiple
trials, adjust for bumps in the road and use technology to generate their graphs.
No small feat considering the size of the class and the complexity of their task.
I really enjoyed the opportunity to come in and visit your Chemistry class.
Thanks again for all of your work with our students.
Nancy Celente