Benefits of Teaching Squares

Common Understanding of What Good Teaching Looks Like

Participants receive a refresher on the TEF at the start of the program. Using a common definition of effective teaching, in addition to evidence-based practices, helps to ensure that participants are in alignment and focused on the observing and providing feedback on pre-defined practices throughout the whole experience.

Focus on Evidence-based Practices

There are seven observation forms that align with each of the domains of the TEF, each form lists the evidence-based practices specific to that domain. The form allows the observer to identify the use of evidence-based practices used during a particular observation session so both parties can feel confident in providing and receiving feedback on their teaching.

Collegiality

Teaching Squares promotes collegiality and collaboration among peers by providing a safe space to engage in conversations about teaching. Participants have also reported feeling more supported and less isolated as an instructor.

Insight into Classrooms throughout the Campus

Participants report they enjoy learning from observing classrooms both similar and different from their own. Teaching Squares provides the opportunity to see colleagues teach in a variety of contexts (delivery method, class sizes, discipline, etc.).

Reveals Teaching Strengths

The Teaching Squares program encourages participants to notice and build on teaching strengths. The observation forms and feedback protocol guide participants to recognize the use of evidence-based practices that instructors might not have been aware of, thus increasing confidence and self-efficacy.

Self-Reflection

Teaching Squares invites faculty to engage in observation and self-reflection on teaching outside of the annual review process. It provides a forum to acknowledge, celebrate and learn from personal success while simultaneously allowing both the participant and observers to objectively look at their own teaching practices.

Supportive Feedback

In addition to the observation forms, when the Squares come together for the feedback session, participants are coached in giving individualized, supportive, and constructive feedback following a feedback protocol.

Recognition through Teaching Effectiveness Initiative Program

Teaching Squares is affiliated with the CSU Teaching Effectiveness Initiative (TEI) Program. Faculty and instructors who participate in the Teaching Squares can earn seven domain experience units (DEUs) in one domain towards a domain certificate of achievement by completing a TEI Post Implementation Reflection Form. At the end of the program, submit a TEI Post Implementation Reflection Form  in the relevant domain. Contact Tonya.Buchan@ColoState.Edu for questions. Note: Graduate students and post-doctoral professionals who are currently teaching can also incorporate Teaching Squares into their respective recognition programs.

Annual Review of Teaching

Faculty have used the Teaching Squares observation forms as evidence of teaching effectiveness for annual review of teaching. TILT recommends setting one goal in one TEF domain for annual review of teaching. The domain specific observation forms can help participants receive feedback in their designated domain.