Increasing Teacher Preparedness Through Effective Student Teaching
Category: Teacher and Leader Development
Instrument Overview
Expert Notes AvailableView expert commentary on strengths and cautions for this instrument
Strengths
Focuses on what teachers actually do in classrooms when supporting scientific modeling
Uses clear performance indicators and levels that can support feedback, reflection, and PD
Grounded in video evidence, making expectations for modeling-based instruction concrete
Cautions
Requires trained observers and time to score
Validated using videotaped lessons in China focused on electrochemistry, so may not generalize to other countries, grade levels, or science topics
The Modeling-Based Teaching Observation Protocol (MBTOP) is a classroom observation protocol that measures the quality of teachers’ modeling-based teaching in science. Developed by Shi and colleagues in 2021, it assesses 18 indicators of modeling-based teaching performance (MBTP) across five performance levels. The tool focuses on how well teachers engage students in scientific modeling practices, including developing, using, testing, and revising models.
MBTOP is designed for use in elementary and secondary science classrooms. It can support instructional improvement, teacher feedback, and professional development. Districts and schools can use it to identify current practice, guide coaching, and monitor growth over time. The framework aligns with reforms that emphasize scientific modeling as a core practice in science education, such as those reflected in the Next Generation Science Standards.
Organization
Collection Category(ies)
Content
Grades
Kindergarten,
1st Grade,
2nd Grade,
3rd Grade,
4th Grade,
5th Grade,
6th Grade,
7th Grade,
8th Grade,
9th Grade,
10th Grade,
11th Grade,
12th Grade
Languages
English
Respondent
Teacher
Administration Information
Length
18 indicators
Access and Use
Open Access
No
