Professional Growth Cycle (PGC) Observation Form – ECE

Make professional observations a meaningful part of your Professional Growth Cycle, rather than simply another requirement to complete.

This comprehensive PGC Observation Form has been specifically developed for ECE services and guides the teacher and observer through the observation process – from preparing for the observation through to reflection, discussion and identifying next steps.

Updated to reflect the new Teaching Standards, the resource also provides a structured way to identify evidence of the Teaching Standards that is observed or provided as part of the observation process.

Before the observation

The teacher records their inquiry focus and considers:

• the learner or group of learners they are focusing on
• the learning goals or priorities identified
• the teaching strategies or approaches they intend to use
• what they will look for to determine whether their strategies are making a difference
• how parents and whānau have contributed to their understanding
• the difference they hope to see for learners

During the observation

The observer records what they see and hear as accurately and objectively as possible, including what the teacher does and says and how learners respond.

Prefer to use video? The observation can also be video recorded and uploaded to the teacher’s digital PGC portfolio, removing the need to complete a separate written observation record.

Following the observation

Purposeful reflection questions support the observer to consider:

• teaching strategies and approaches observed
• what appeared to work well and the evidence for this
• how the teacher responded and adapted their practice
• learner engagement, responses and learning
• differences between individual learners
• strengths in teaching practice
• opportunities to strengthen or refine practice
• useful next steps for the teacher

Updated Teaching Standards

The form includes the new Teaching Standards and focus areas, enabling the observer and teacher to identify relevant evidence of the Standards that was observed or provided during the process.

The completed observation can then be discussed as part of the teacher’s PGC coaching and feedback process and retained as evidence within their PGC portfolio.

Specifically developed for Professional Growth Cycles in ECE services in Aotearoa New Zealand.