15 Step 3: Post-Observation Debrief
Post-Observation Debrief (approximately 30-60 minutes)
Following the observation (ideally within one or two weeks), the observer will provide written feedback to the instructor and meet with them to debrief the observation. Both the pre-visit discussion and the class visit will be used to guide the debrief discussion. By the end of the debrief discussion, the instructor should have received the feedback they hoped to gain through the observation process. The observer may wish to use Appendix F: Post-Observation Debrief Form to offer a high-level summary of their observations, along with the feedback forms used during the in-class visit, providing these documents to the instructor during the post-observation debrief meeting. The observer should facilitate a dialogue with the instructor during the debrief meeting to review the observation, with suggestions outlined in Appendix I: Considerations and Tips for Observers to assist with the feedback and debrief process.
Post-Observation Reflections
Immediately (or soon after) the teaching observation, it is recommended that the instructor take 15-20 minutes to self-reflect on the lesson, noting their initial reactions and perspective on what went well and what could be enhanced next time. The instructor and observer may also choose to reflect on new insights and document the teaching observation in their annual Record of Activities (RoA), teaching portfolio, and/or other summative report. Template questions for guiding these reflections can be found in Appendix G: Reflections on my Teaching Observation (Instructor) and Appendix H: Reflections on my Teaching Observation (Observer).
Please note: The incorporation of post-observation reflections is optional within the teaching observation process and determined at the discretion of the instructor and the observer. Permission should be obtained from the instructor and the observer before incorporating teaching observation activities and reflections in summative reports or evaluations.