Classroom Discourse Observation (CDO)

Classroom Discourse Observations (CDO) capture not only aspects of ASL, but also discourse techniques/pragmatics, heuristic functions, and whether the environment is visually optimized. A classroom-based assessment would also note students' comprehension of the instructor, and the instructor's comprehension of the students.

ASL Diagnostic and Evaluation Services (ASL-DES) staff video record the faculty in the classroom and then analyze the video recording to identify strengths and areas needing improvement in the areas of visually optimized environments, discourse and pragmatics. The faculty is then provided a personalized feedback session which includes the opportunity to review and discuss the video recording.

Faculty Multiple Measures  

The Faculty Multiple Measures approach to evaluating faculty language and communication includes Classroom Discourse Observation (CDO). With the inclusion of this assessment, a mandated pilot study of Classroom Discourse Observation (CDO) was implemented to review process, procedure, protocol, checklist items, findings and merit.

The pilot is underway for continued data collection. Faculty volunteers who have participated in the pilot to date have provided very positive feedback as to the benefit of this assessment. Classroom Discourse Observation (CDO) has enormous potential to assist faculty in improving the learning environment in the classroom.

WebSite Resources for CDO

ASL-DES is pleased to announce the development of a NEW area of its website which will be dedicated to Classroom Discourse Observation (CDO) support for faculty. All faculty volunteers who participate in the pilot complete a consent form. For faculty who granted consent, ASL-DES is uploading and making accessible CDO video clips on its website. The clips are actual video footage from Classroom Discourse Observations (CDOs) with identifiers to actual items on the checklist. Video clips will continue to be added which demonstrate model performances of particular aspects of effective classroom discourse.