Class observation serves a dual purpose in higher education: enhancing teaching effectiveness and supporting faculty evaluations for tenure and promotion. The process provides faculty with valuable, constructive feedback that helps improve their teaching practices and professional development. Observers focus on key aspects of teaching, such as pedagogical strategies, student engagement, and classroom dynamics, to identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth. In addition to teaching enhancement, class observations are crucial in tenure and promotion evaluations, providing documented evidence of teaching effectiveness and demonstrating the faculty member's commitment to excellence in education. The methodology includes a pre-observation meeting, the observation itself, post-observation feedback sessions, and the creation of a formal observation report that serves as a reference for professional development and evaluation purposes.
Purpose of the class observation
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Teaching Enhancement
The class observation process provides constructive feedback to faculty, fostering reflective teaching practices and professional growth. Observers focus on pedagogical strategies, student engagement, and overall classroom dynamics to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
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Tenure and Promotion
Observations are an integral component of tenure and promotion evaluations, offering documented evidence of teaching effectiveness. The process highlights faculty members' commitment to excellence in education and their alignment with institutional goals.
Methodology
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Pre-Observation Meeting
Faculty and observers meet to discuss the course context, learning objectives, and planned activities. Faculty can share specific aspects they want feedback on.
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Observation
Observers attend the class session, taking detailed notes on teaching strategies, interactions, and learning activities. Observations are non-intrusive and aim to capture authentic classroom experiences.
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Post-Observation Feedback
Observers and faculty meet to review findings. Discussions are collaborative, focusing on strengths, actionable recommendations, and opportunities for growth.
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Documentation
A formal observation report is prepared, summarizing key observations, commendations, and recommendations. This report can be used for teaching portfolios, professional development, or promotion and tenure applications.
Resources
- Observation Rubric: A standardized tool for assessing teaching effectiveness, available through the Office of Teaching and Learning.
- Workshops and Training: Faculty development sessions on effective teaching practices and peer observation techniques.
- Teaching Consultants: Support staff available for pre- and post-observation consultations.
Timeline
- Week 1: Faculty request observation and schedule pre-observation meeting.
- Week 2: Pre-observation meeting occurs.
- Week 3: Observation is conducted.
- Week 4: Post-observation feedback session takes place.
- Week 5: Observation report finalized and shared with faculty.
Contact Information
- Fall and Spring Semesters: Dr. Frances Matos ([email protected])
- General Contact: Dr. Claudia Arcolin ([email protected])