14 Step 2: Teaching Observation
Conduct Teaching Observation (approximately 1 hour)
The observer and instructor will choose a mutually convenient date and time for the class visit. The class should be chosen intentionally to best address the points raised during the pre-observation discussion. Choose the best opportunity to solicit the feedback the instructor seeks and avoid any class dates with assessments or when student attendance is anticipated to be low, particularly if there is a plan to gather student feedback during the observation.
The observer will attend the class to observe the instructor’s teaching, noting their observations, feedback, and suggestions for refining teaching practices. The observer may use, Appendix C: Teaching Observation Feedback Form (Structured), Appendix D: Teaching Observation Feedback Form (Grid), or Appendix E: Teaching Observation Feedback Form (Narrative) during the in-class visit, with input from the instructor regarding what form is preferred based on the observation goals.
Conducting a Teaching Observation Online
While most teaching observations are conducted in-person, a teaching observation can occur synchronously online or asynchronously, depending on the course and instructional format. In these cases, the instructor may choose to record their lesson and share the recording with their observer for feedback. This approach would be required for online asynchronous courses, and when the observer cannot attend the class due to date/time conflicts. Recording the lesson will allow the observer to pause and rewatch sections of the lesson when providing their feedback. It will also allow the instructor to review and observe their own teaching. If the observation is occurring synchronously or asynchronously online, the instructor should ensure the observer has access to all course platforms (e.g., Avenue to Learn, Teams or Zoom) ahead of the teaching observation.
Collection of Anonymous Student Feeback
If pre-arranged with the instructor, the observer may also spend the last 10-15 minutes of the class obtaining anonymous student feedback without the instructor present. This additional feedback will offer student perspectives and assist with refinements, particularly at the mid-point in a course. Please see Appendix B: Pre-Observation Meeting Form and Appendix J: Open Ended Questions for Gathering Student Feedback for some suggestions regarding how to solicit student feedback.
Please note: The collection of anonymous student feedback is optional within the teaching observation process and determined at the discretion of the instructor.