Classroom Observation (COT): How to Prepare for and Pass Your Observations

How the COT actually works

Your observer rates defined indicators — drawn from the PPST domains — based on what is observable in the session, supported by your lesson plan and materials. The number of required observations and the indicator sets follow the current cycle's RPMS tools for your career stage.

Design the lesson around the indicators

• Map each indicator to a lesson moment — if an indicator involves learner diversity, your plan needs a visible differentiated element.
• Make thinking audible — questioning techniques and higher-order tasks must be heard, not implied.
• Show assessment in action — embed a formative check the observer can watch you use.
• Prepare artifacts — plan, materials, and learner outputs ready for annotation as MOVs.

The pitfalls that lower ratings

Overloaded lessons that run out of time, activities disconnected from the stated objective, teacher-only talk, and technology that fails without a fallback. Rehearse with a timer; cut until the lesson fits comfortably.

After the observation

The post-conference is part of the process — take notes, ask which indicator levels you hit, and log the feedback. Improvement across observations is itself a professional-growth story for your self-assessment.