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 Location: Gaiser Hall 206, Second floor, East wing

Pixel Shim   Teaching Squares

 

Teaching Squares Logo

 

 

The Purpose

The Teaching Squares program is designed to improve teaching skills and build community through a structured, non-threatening process of classroom observation and shared reflection. 

The process involves the best aspect of peer evaluation – observation and discussion – while excluding judgment and evaluation.

Participants in a square learn about the best practices of other faculty in order to improve their own teaching.

"Small groups are great!"

"Encouragement goes a long way."

"Trust the assignment" 

"Learning goes beyond your immediate classroom, course, and/or department."

Fall Schedule

Date: September 29 , 2009     Date: September 30, 2009

Time: 3:30- 4:30pm               Time: 12:30 - 1:30pm

Location: GHL 207                  Location: GHL 207

Who’s Involved?

A Teaching Square is a group of four faculty members from different disciplines who:

  • Engage in reciprocal classroom visits or on-line class visits
  • Share teaching materials
  • Reflect on classroom or online observations
  • Celebrate best practices with Teaching Square colleagues

Time Commitment (Spans one quarter)

Participants typically spend six to eight hours per quarter in Teaching Squares activities which include:

  • Initial meeting - 30 minutes
  • Three classroom or online visits -3 or more hours
  • Square share session - 2 hours ($60 per square for food)
  • All Squares Celebration – 1 hour

The Benefits

By participating in Teaching Squares, you will have an opportunity to:

  • Observe, reflect and celebrate good teaching
  • Increase your understanding of and appreciation for the work of your colleagues
  • Enhance your own teaching based on the shared observations and reflections of your Square partners

As easy as 4, 3, 2, 1

4  Faculty members

3  Classroom observations

2  All-squares sessions

1  Square share session

0  Evaluations

 

The Philosophy

The cornerstones of Teaching Squares are the positive attitudes and behaviors that create a mutually supportive, energizing environment for sharing the joys and challenges of teaching.

Cooperation and shared responsibility facilitate a team effort and a team result.

Participants develop an appreciation of quality teaching skills in ourselves and our colleagues.

Engage in self-reflection to improve your own teaching methods and techniques.

The Benefits

Magna Publishing's article Teaching Circles: Low-Cost, High-Impact Faculty Development, By Barbara A. Mezeske, with great information about the benefits of Teaching Squares.

Resources link

 

For more information, contact:

 

Gail Liberman,

Associate Director of Faculty Development

in the Teaching and Learning Center

gliberman@clark.edu

(360) 992-2084

Andrew Apter,

Associate Director of Faculty Development

in the Teaching and Learning Center

aapter@clark.edu

(360) 992-2139

Clark College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, creed, disabled veteran status, marital status or Vietnam-era veteran status in its programs and activities.

 
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Clark College - 1933 E. McLoughlin Blvd - Vancouver, WA 98663 - (360) 669 - NEXT


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