Jenni Keith

Observation Record and Notes
 

MTTC Mentor: Jenni Keith
Cognitive Coach: Sherry Brott
Date: Monday, June 19, 2004
Source: Face-to-Face, Present During Mentoring Session

Observations:
MTTC mentor with teacher mentee, Jenny Keener.

It was easy to see that there exists a trusting relationship between the two of you. You were both relaxed and had a comfortable rapport.

The discussion you had explaining problem based learning strategy with Ms. Keener was easy to understand and it was apparent that she found it interesting. The scenario that she decided upon will work well with the lesson plan you are developing.

You did discuss several previous lessons that you were aware of that Ms. Keener had either used a learner-centered instructional strategy or successfully incorporated technology. This had a positive effect upon her willingness to try a new strategy (problem-based learning) for this unit.

It was obvious that Ms. Keener wanted to incorporate webpages into this unit plan. You supported her decision and did make specific plans to prepare her in advance for the technical skills that she would need to introduce to her students. She was reluctant and obviously nervous about doing this until you assured her you would be there to help her during the lesson. I did think it was appropriate to let her know your goal of having her implement the lesson on her own the second time around and she seemed to agree this was reasonable.

Recommendations:
Ms. Keener seemed very competent in that she asked all the questions one would expect and obviously has quite a number of technology skills, but she was not very confident in her abilities. Consider ways you can bolster her confidence in using the skills she possesses.