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."
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
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
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 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.
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.
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.
