Teaching Squares kicks off January 2023! Teaching Squares will be held on the dates below.
The Teaching Squares program is offered in the spring semester only. Participants are expected to attend 3, 90-minute sessions with the cohort in addition to observing and meeting with colleagues in their own square. The overall time committment is approximately 15 hours over the course of the semester.
A teaching square is a group of four instructors who agree to observe each other a few times during a semester, using an agreed upon set of observation norms. It is designed to be a non-evaluative, supportive and growth-based process. Participants are coached in setting a personal teaching goal and then observe others to give feedback and reflect on their own practice.
What are the Benefits of Joining a Teaching Square?
In addition to reflecting on and receiving feedback on teaching practices, past participants have benefitted from making connections with colleagues, sharing ideas, reigniting their passion for teaching, and having time set aside to discuss best instructional practices. Participants have also reported feeling more supported and less isolated as an instructor.
Who Can Participate?
Teaching Squares are open to all CSU instructors: tenured faculty, tenure track, non-tenure track, GTAs, etc. Since the program began in 2018, it has included everyone from 20-year tenured faculty to first year GTAs. Since the focus is on learning through observation and self-reflection, everyone has the opportunity to learn from each other, regardless of the amount of teaching experience.
Can I Form My Own “Square?”
Some participants choose to form their own square with colleagues; some allow their square to be formed arbitrarily. There are benefits to both. Familiar colleagues and content might be more comfortable for some instructors; others might want an entirely new experience with unfamiliar colleagues and content. We will support the decision you make about forming or joining a square.
| Progression | Event/Action | Description | Time (Hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Initial Training | Program information and observation training | 2 |
| Weeks 1-2 | Pre-Observation Meeting | Set-up Cycle 1 observation schedule | 1 |
| Weeks 3-5 | Observation Cycle 1 | Instructors observe each other | 3-4 |
| Week 6 | Meeting with TILT | Post-observation discussion, goal setting, and Cycle 2 pre-observation meeting | 2 |
| Weeks 7-9 | Observation Cycle 2 | Instructors observe each other | 3-4 |
| Week 10 | Individual Reflection Time | Self-reflection | 2-3 |
| Weeks 11-12 | Meeting with TILT | Post-observation meeting discussion, square share celebration, final goal setting | 2 |
| Total Time Commitment | ~16 | ||
The Six Main Aims of Peer Observation*
- Improving or developing an understanding of personal approaches to curriculum delivery
- Enhancing and extending teaching techniques through collaboration
- Exchanging insights relating to the review of teaching performance
- Expanding personal skills of self-reflection and evaluation
- Developing curriculum planning skills in collaboration with peers and colleagures and,
- Identifying areas in teaching practice with particular merit or in need of development.
*Martin and Double (1998)
Resources
The following observation forms align with the domains of the CSU Teaching Effectiveness Framework:
Contact
Tonya Buchan
Senior Faculty Developer & Teaching Effectiveness Initiative Program Manager
Instructional Innovation and Engagement
| Progression | Event/Action | Description | Time (Hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall: Ramp-Up Spring: PDI | Initial Training | Program Information and Observation Training | 3 |
| Weeks 1-2 | Pre-Observation Meeting | Set-Up Cycle 1 Observation Schedule | 1 |
| Weeks 3-5 | Observation Cycle 1 | Instructors Observe Each Other | 3-4 |
| Week 6 | Meeting with TILT | Post-Observation Discussion and Cycle 2 Pre-Observation Meeting | 2 |
| Weeks 7-9 | Observation Cycle 2 | Instructors Observe Each Other | 3-4 |
| Week 10 | Individual Reflection Time | Self-Reflection, Goal Setting, Portfolio Development | 2-3 |
| Weeks 11-12 | Meeting with TILT | Post-Observation Meeting Discussion, Square Share Celebration, Final Goal Setting | 2 |
| Total Time Commitment | ~16 | ||