The value of the faculty observation
How much does the faculty observation an instructor receives from the chair contribute to that instructor's development?
What do you consider to be the main metrics in a faculty observation for it to be an evaluation document as well as a tool to develop the observed instructor?
A peer to peer evaluatioon as well as a program dirsectors view or assesment is invaluable. There are times as an instructor you are so involved with the presentation of the material you may overlook the comprehension of the material by the student.
Teaching styles and methods of delivery can be improved thru employee observation
Ann,
Excellent point that you make about the value of observations and our personal growth in the classroom. Having another professional observe us can pay off in so many ways if we are not afraid of what they might tell us. The mutual sharing of strategies and ideas about effective teaching results in more learning by our students. Thanks for sharing this example of how observations are done and the outcomes from them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I think classroom observations are extremely valuable- I'm doing them for my instructors this week, and I'm noticing things that surprise them (multiple 'ums', 'ands' and reading right from the presentation slides, for example). I try to surreptitiously do them- I go into the adjoining Xray room and pretend to look at radiographs- that way, I can truly assess classroom management- do they let students talk? etc.
I like when my boss comes and watches me, too- and he does! He pretends to be playing with animals, but will sit in my classes for about a half hour and just listen. He always has great feedback- "your class was really interested in that", or "Man! That topic sparked some debate!". I always remember those comments the next time I teach that subject, and modify my presentation accordingly. We're not good at seeing ourselves...
Peter,
An effective evaluation of an instructor's teaching needs to be based upon a status assessment that involves what is being done well and what areas that need improvement. Too often, as in my school an instruction evaluation is done in a negative format so at the end of the class the observer has a long list of things that were done in their eyes wrong. After the evaluation there is a debrief and it is during this time the instructor is told how bad he/she is. This is NOT the way to evaluate instructors and the high turnover of faculty reflects why it is NOT the way to do it. Evaluations should be building and learning experiences that give support to the future professional development of faculty.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
