This is great, Michele! I have found that even seasoned instructors like the opportunity to demonstrate a technique or method from training that they have enhanced and applied - the wonderful benefit is that even though there is always something more to learn through continuing education, a seasoned instructor can also lend his or her insights and experience to the equation - a win-win for everyone. 

We use this technique.  I love it.  I am observing more seasoned instructors and getting better every day.

Hi Landon, you're right, additionally to the purpose of faculty observations being utilized as a tool to capture transfer of instructor training and learning into the classroom or lab, it also shows students that their opinions are important as to the ongoing enhancement of teacher and course. To your point though in one of your blog comments, total popularity of an instructor doesn't necessarily make a good course.

I think tools such as faculty observations and student course evaluations (that tend to be more about the instructor anyway) need to be kept in balance.

Thanks so much for your on-target comments!  

One of the biggest reasons I have found to do faculty observations is simply that the customers - uh, students, see that they are being done. It shows our customers that we are on top of their level of satisfaction and thereby advocating for a quality education.