Per the Center for Teaching’s policy, classroom observations are confidential and conducted at the instructor’s invitation only.
An observation consultation consists of the following steps:
A Center for Teaching staff member and instructor meet before the class is observed to discuss the instructor’s goals for the observation, which might be very specific or more general. For example, instructors might want a neutral observer for a new activity they plan to try, or just get a picture of classroom dynamics from another perspective.
The staff member observes the class. Depending on instructor needs, a variety of observational lenses and questions might be used, such as inclusive teaching, active learning/participation, teaching strategies, etc.
The instructor and the staff member meet after the observation to debrief and plan potential next steps. All feedback is non-evaluative.
Classroom observations may be combined with student feedback sessions.
Contact us to learn more or request an observation.