Transcript Classroom observation - Grand Rapids Community College

Online Course Observation
Objectives:
1. Articulate the steps of an online faculty observation
2. Explain the elements of the GRCC Online Course Observation
Form
3. Properly complete a GRCC Online Course Observation Form
4. Provide constructive feedback
Online Course Observations…
• Contribute to personal and professional growth of both the
observer and observed
• Foster collegiality
• Encourage us to share ideas
• Identify projects that can be used in our Faculty Performance
Evaluations (improving teaching effectiveness, assessment
projects, etc.)
• Create excitement around online teaching
Documenting Plan
• Faculty members [being observed] will offer their evaluators
at least 3 different online class weeks from which the
evaluator can choose to observe.
• This should be outlined on the FPE form in the fall.
• Refer to p. 7 in MOU
Before the Observation
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Contact the faculty to gain access to the online course
Contact the faculty to determine areas of concentration
Talk about the normal online classroom etiquette
Ask if the course instructor have special expectations for the
class that you should know about
• Discuss impact of observer on group dynamics
• Discuss impact of observer on instructor
During the Observation
• Consider the following:
o Observer Etiquette
o Participation in group activities (from instructor)
o Observing only
o Be specific when possible with examples or suggestions
with notes on worksheet along with constructive
comments.
Reporting Process
• After the observation
o Create a summary report
• Length of time to create summary ~ 1hour
o Arrange for Post observation meeting: F2F or electronically
• Within 2 weeks of observation
Elements of Effective Teaching
• Organization and Design
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Technical
Using the form
• Can’t observe everything
• Focus on pre-determined area, if applicable
• If none stated, then pick 2 or 3 from each category
Using the form
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Note techniques that worked well
Make suggestions to try new techniques
Be as specific as possible
Focus on content as well as delivery
Creating a Summary Report
• Plan for ~1 hour to create report
• Complete GRCC Online Course Observation Form
• Include observations of the faculty member’s teaching,
leading with strengths
• For areas that need improvement, be as specific as possible
• Be direct
• Be as objective as possible
Leading the post-observation meeting
• Plan for ~1 hour to meet with peer
• Have a copy of the summary report for each of you
• Start with statement recognizing snap shot of teaching,
impact of observer on class dynamics
• Ask how the instructor thought the class went
• Review each section of the report together
Post observation
• Reflect on what you as an observer have learned from this
experience
• How will your teaching change as a result of this experience?
FAQ
Q: What to do if you have concerns post observation or post
observation meeting?
A: Contact your Associate Dean of Faculty Evaluation and Hiring
Q: Are there additional responsibilities if I observe an adjunct faculty
member?
A: There are a few easy responsibilities.
• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism and respect
• Meet with them for a post observation in a timely manner.
• Refer adjunct faculty to CTE trainings as appropriate.
• Inform CTE of trends in professional development needs among
adjuncts so that CTE may develop appropriate training sessions.
• Provide an end of semester findings report to the Director of CTE
• Connect adjuncts with other faculty and/or institutional resources
Learning Summary
• Identify the behaviors that characterize the elements of
effective teaching
• Complete a GRCC Online Course Observation Form
• Conduct a post observation meeting, using a summary report
• Deliver constructive criticism in an appropriate manner
Questions?