Process Observation Checklist, from Jeanne Gibbs (2001), Tribes: A New Way of Learning and Being Together, page 114.

1. How are people sitting?

• Are they in a neat circle, or are some people sitting back?
• Are they leaning forward attentively, are are they slouching, sprawling, or lying back?

2. How are people participating?

• Are a few doing all the talking or work? Is participation balanced?
• Are people lively and animated, or lethargic and tentative?
• Is everyone focused on what is happening, or are side conversations taking place?
• Are people passing?

3. How are people taking care of one another?

• Are they listening to one another?
• Are put-downs happening? (If so, are they being confronted by group members?)
• Are disagreements being resolved in satisfying (win-win) ways?
• Are kindness and cooperation demonstrated?
• Is appreciation being expressed?
• Is the group drawing in the quieter people?

4. How are people feeling and behaving?

• Are they smiling and/or laughing?
• Is your intuitive response one of warmth and relaxation, or anxiety and tension?

5. Are they working well on task or curricula?

• Who has assumed leadership?
• Are the slower learners included?
• Do they seem mindful of the goal to complete the task on time?