Peer Observations

Peer observations provide opportunities for faculty colleagues to learn from and with each other in an informal yet informative process. TIDL hosts various models for peer observations.

Teaching Triangles

In the Teaching Triangles method, teachers reflect on what can be learned about one’s own teaching by observing colleagues. This means that peers in an observation group do not give feedback on each others' practice, but only focus on improving their own. By allowing individuals to be ‘learners’ again in their colleagues' classes, Teaching Triangles can provide unique lenses through which to reflect on and talk about teaching and learning (University of Waterloo, n.d.).

Teaching Squares Guide Final v2.pdf

Guiding Principles

In order to create a supportive, open, and energizing environment, these principles provide the foundations for Teaching Triangles activities (adapted from North Virginia Community College CETL, 2015; Stonehill College CTL, 2008):

Confidential reciprocity: Everyone observes and is observed. We all experience both the role of teacher and learner in a confidential environment.
Mutual respect: We enter the classroom respectful of instructors, students, and contextual differences.
Appreciation: We aim to identify and build upon practices that create effective environments for learning.
Self-referential reflection: We report what was learned from the observation to improve our own teaching rather than trying to improve a triangle partner’s teaching.

*Teaching Triangles put participants in groups of three; Teaching Squares put participants in groups of four.

Teaching Triangles at Highline

Highline has hosted Teaching Triangles annually, starting in Fall 2024, for interested faculty. TIDL will host a kick-off session for interested faculty to learn about the model, be grouped into their Triangles (based on schedules, disciplines, etc.), and for Triangles to schedule their observations and meetings with each other.

After this kick-off session, the rest of the program is intended for faculty participants to take ownership for the rest of the program: Triangles will schedule times to observe each other, meet with each other (if desired), reflect on their own and as a group, etc. The goal of the program is for faculty participants to learn through observation and in community with each other! However, we are here to support group's if desired, just let us know.

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