Classroom Observations
Individual instructors may request a classroom observation from a CTL team member. CTL classroom observations are designed to be supportive and formative. They are intentionally non-evaluative and not connected to university tenure and promotion procedures. Instructors will meet with the CTL team member prior to the observation to identify areas upon which the instructor would appreciate feedback during the observation. The instructor and CTL team member will then meet again after the observation to debrief, share experiences, and consider next steps to further develop teaching practice.
Instructors can schedule an meeting to plan a classroom observation.
Frequent conversations, trainings, and readings on pedagogy have been helpful in shaping my teaching, but at times I have wondered how to implement best practices in my classes. A classroom observation by CTL helped me to put into place strategies tailored for the content I teach. During a pre-observation meeting with CTL, we spoke about my course objectives and delivery approach, and identified a specific area of focus for the observation: learner engagement. During a post-observation debrief, CTL helped me to identify approaches that were working, new strategies to try, and readings to learn more about evidence-based pedagogical practices. The supportive, non-evaluative, focused discussions provided me with evidence-based, actionable strategies to expand my skills, and an excitement to learn more.