Components of Teaching Squares

TILT Facilitated Experience

TILT facilitates Teaching Squares in the spring semester for the CSU teaching community. The squares are formed randomly and are often cross-disciplinary, allowing instructors to teach in various contexts. Departmental or instructional team squares can be formed upon request; this format allows faculty teaching similar content and/or students to gain insight into the opportunities and challenges faced by colleagues.

Community Agreement

Having someone observe you teaching can be a very vulnerable position. To create a safe space for participants to practice teaching and feel supported while doing so, each cohort develops a community agreement by identifying what they need to feel supported during this time. Confidentiality is at the core of the community agreement for both the facilitators and the participants.

Peer Observations

Observation provides the opportunity to watch other instructors in action, see different ways of teaching, and gain insight into different class environments (class size, content discipline, delivery method, etc.). Participants receive feedback from three colleagues and engage in two observation cycles resulting in six total observations. The observations in each cycle can take place on the same or different days depending on participant schedules.

Guided Observation Forms

The observed participant identifies one TEF domain on which to be observed by all members of the square, allowing the participants to receive feedback from three participants. Each domain has its’ own guided observation form, including a list of relevant evidence-based practices, observation question prompts, and a self-reflection space for the observer. This combination allows the observers to provide supportive and robust feedback to the participant on their chosen domain.

The observation forms, feedback, and this experience are designed for growth and self-reflection. TILT does not look at nor retain any of the observation forms, all forms are the sole property of the individual being observed and are intended for use at their discretion. TILT simply provides the space and structure for participants to grow.

Feedback Protocol

During the post-observation meetings, participants give feedback to each other using the What, So What, Now What protocol. This protocol gives structure to the feedback back session, including time for self-reflection, guidelines for supportive language, equal time to each participant to receive feedback, and plans for future teaching.

Logistics and Program Timeline

Scheduling and logistics are the most challenging components of Teaching Squares. The program takes approximately 16-hours over twelve weeks. Due to busy schedules and the reciprocal nature of the program, it is important to be transparent and emphasize the time commitment and scheduling requirements to ensure participants receive an equitable amount of feedback. In the both the promotional materials and kick-off session, be sure to underscore the importance to adhering to dates, showing up to observations, and committing to the Square; in the kick-off session, reinforce the commitment to colleagues during the Community Agreement Norms Activity.