Teaching Squares

Are you interested in gaining new insights into your teaching through a non-evaluative process of reciprocal classroom observation and self-reflection? If so, we invite you to join the Teaching Squares program that will run in Spring 2024. 

Program Overview 

The Teaching Squares program involves four faculty members in a square who agree to visit each other’s classes over the semester and meet to discuss what they have learned about their own teaching from the observations. The process is non-evaluative and is based on reciprocity, shared responsibility, and mutual respect. Modeled after the program developed by Anne Wessely of St. Louis Community College, the focus is on self-reflection, rather than peer evaluation, critique, or providing feedback or advice about their teaching. Partners observe each other to gather ideas on different teaching approaches that might be used in their own classes. 
 
This is an opportunity for faculty members to learn from each other’s teaching practices in a respectful and supportive environment. As partners observe each other's teaching, they will reflect on and later dialog with each other on questions such as: Could I do something like that? Would that approach work with the content I teach? I might be able to use that, but what would I need to change so that it better fits with my teaching style? Are my students ready for a strategy like that? The intent of the Teaching Squares program is to help you contemplate current teaching practices as you consider some potential alternatives. 

Program Expectations 

Participants in the program can expect to spend approximately 8 hours over the semester doing the following: 

  • Attend an initial meeting early in the semester to discuss logistics and establish expectations. (1 hour) 
  • Observe at least one class session of each of the square partners (3+ hours) 
  • Provide syllabi and other relevant information about the classes that partners will be visiting  
  • Write personal reflections after each observation. (1 hour) 
  • Participate in post-observation meetings after every class observation. (1.5 hours) 
  • Attend a wrap-up meeting towards the end of the semester to share reflections and insights (1.5 hours). 

Benefits 

Participating in Teaching Squares provides you the opportunity to: 

  • See and celebrate good teaching in action 
  • Build community with colleagues in different disciplines who share your passion for teaching 
  • Enhance your own teaching practices 

Who is eligible? 

This opportunity is open to all faculty (including adjunct professors) at West Chester University. Selection will be based on teaching schedules.

Registration 

If you are interested in participating in this program, please complete the Teaching Squares Registration Form by December 1, 2023. You will be notified of your acceptance and square assignment by December 15th.  
 
If you have any questions about the program, please contact the TLC at tlc@wcupa.edu.