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Teaching Squares

What is Teaching Squares?
Teaching Squares involves a self-reflective process about teaching gained through observation of one's peers. It is not peer evaluation but self-assessment in a safe, mutually supportive environment. It is not a program restricted to new teachers, but is more successful if it includes those with a wide range of teaching experience. In this way, those new to the field can learn from the more experienced or innovative.

What are the Benefits of Participating?
Teaching Squares foster conversations about teaching, disseminates effective teaching practices, creates an understanding of a colleague's work; builds connections across different disciplines; and recognizes and reinforces good teaching practice. Teaching squares allow you to observe, analyze and celebrate good teaching, by increasing your understanding of and appreciation for the work of colleagues. Experience being a student.

How does the Program Work?
The basis of the program is simple. Four instructors from different disciplines (the "Square") visit each other's classes to observe teaching methods, attitudes, classroom materials, and classroom management. After the instructors have observed each other's classes, they get together to reflect on the positive aspects they have learned and how they might improve their own classes. This is followed by a gathering of all Teaching Square participants who share their experiences and add to the learning. The time required over the semester is about six hours.

The program is simple and has been adopted at many colleges and universities across North America, especially in Canada and BC. Instructors have found it to be so helpful that most sign on to participate in Teaching Squares more than once.

SPRING 2012 DATES

  • Kick-Off Session (Required): Wednesday, February 1st 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – @ 1 hour
  • Between February 6 and March 21 (5 weeks) Visit Each Other's Classrooms from "Square" Grouping (@ 1 hour X 3 classes = 3 hours)
  • Between March 21 and 27 Each "Square" Meets to Informally Debrief (@ 1 hour)
  • Wrap-Up Session (Required): Wednesday, March 28 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. - (@ 1 hour)

To learn more email teachlearn at viu dot ca.