Classroom Observation

Classroom observation is a one-on-one service provided by CTI. Designed to provide formative feedback and customized suggestions within the context of the class, the service is open to faculty members of any rank. CTI does not participate in any form of evaluation or summative peer review. Classroom observation is voluntary and strictly confidential.

The general process of classroom observation is illustrated below:

Step 1. Request an observation of a class

• The instructor initiates an email to Qi Dunsworth and communicate the intent to have a class observed. Qi will acknowledge the message with a confidentiality agreement.
• The instructor will share the course syllabus.

Step 2. Pre-observation discussion

The instructor and the observer will meet or schedule a phone conversation to discuss the following:

• The reason for the observation;
• The general context of the course and the class to be observed;
• Student comments in the past (optional);
• Allowing course access on Canvas (optional).

Step 3. Observing the class

• The observer will arrive at the class ahead of time.
• The observer will pay attention to class interactions, communications, and instructional activities in the class, in addition to other aspects discussed earlier.
• The observer will document the class with detailed notes.

Step 4. Post-observation discussion

The observer and the faculty member will have a discussion soon after the observed class. The discussion will include the following topics:

• What went well? What didn’t go quite as planned?
• What are the specific challenges? What do you think might be the reason?
• Other aspects that caught the attention of the observer
• Next steps regarding the same course, or personalized plans to include other classes