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The Pre-Observation Meeting in Faculty Peer Advising
This meeting provides the opportunity for everyone to be introduced and for the instructor to:
- explain the syllabus and how this class fits in the overall course plan as well as in the department's or college's curriculum.
- communicate the type of class (lecture, lab) and subject matter.
- discuss briefly the lesson plan.
- explain any perceived difficulties to date.
- advise the consultants as to what sort of feedback would be most useful.
The instructor and observers will also:
- review the Observation Instrument, if desired.
- confirm the date, time, and place for the Post-Observation meeting.
The Observation Instrument in Faculty Peer Advising
The Observation Instrument serves as a guide to observe key elements of teaching that contribute to a rich learning experience. It is divided into categories that address both form and content; not all categories will be applicable to every teaching situation. The categories include: organization, presentation, rapport, content, interaction, and active learning. The Instrument can be discussed at the Pre-Observation meeting and serve as a reminder to the observers of things to consider during the observation. It may also be used during the Post-Observation Meeting to identify the instructor's strengths. Use of the Observation Instrument is optional; it is meant to be a helpful guide, not a rigid plan of observation.
You can download the Observation Instrument, which is in the form of two Word files, one a checklist and the other a form for taking free-hand notes.
The Classroom Observation in Faculty Peer Advising
The consultants will observe the class, noting the instructor's methods and delivery, student response, behavior, and engagement, physical conditions and equipment in the classroom, and other elements that affect the quality of instruction and learning.
During the class observation the consultants will take notes that will form the basis of a post-observation commentary that will be discussed at the Post-Observation meeting.
Prior to the Post-Observation meeting, it is helpful if the instructor undertakes a self-assessment to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of that particular class.
The Post-Observation Meeting in Faculty Peer Advising
This meeting provides the opportunity to compare the faculty observers' and the instructor's impressions of the class. The consultants will present their observations and suggestions, which the instructor should place in context of his or her impression of the class. Together, they should develop a plan for improving both the presentation of the class and the learning environment. The latter might include assignments that will prepare the students better for the class, use of methods such as active learning with or without electronic student response systems, and motivational techniques. One more more additional observations may be desired if the instructor will adopt some of the suggestions and wishes to have the consultants determine whether they actually improve the class.
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