Teaching Circles

In the Teaching Circles program, we provide training, support, and a framework for small cohorts of faculty from different disciplines* to observe each other’s teaching, learn instructional methods from one another, build community, and write each other peer observation letters. Peer observations enhance teaching and learning experiences for both the observer and the observed. We use a qualitative approach by applying the BUFF Classroom Observation Framework developed by the CTL’s professional staff and tested by 19 faculty from a variety of disciplines over a 2-year pilot of the Teaching Circles program (formerly Teaching Triads). 

We are also piloting a Graduate Student version of the Teaching Circles Program, which has a separate application form and process. Grad students who complete Teaching Circles will receive a $50 Amazon gift card. Applications to the Graduate Student Teaching Circles Program are due by 5 pm on Friday, August 28th. Please contact Matthew.Nesselrodt@colorado.edu with questions about the Graduate Student Teaching Circles Program. 

_{*If you are interested in forming an intra-department Teaching Circle, please contact Kalpana.Gupta@colorado.edu and Sarah.Andrews-1@colorado.edu to discuss options.}

Frameworks with specific observation criteria can provide more structure to classroom observations. The CTL’s BUFF Classroom Observation Framework covers four dimensions of teaching: Be Prepared, Use Active Learning Strategies, Foster an Inclusive and Equitable Learning Environment, and Feedback & Assessments. In Teaching Circles we’ll use the CTL’s abbreviated BUFF Classroom Observation Framework (adapted from the full BUFF Classroom Observation Framework that CTL professional staff use in our classroom observation service). This framework serves as a jumping off point for conversations about teaching and teaching development, and can be used to guide pre-observation meetings, to take notes during observations, and to help organize live notes after an observation to provide more concrete feedback.

Based on past participant feedback, you will: 

• Build community, camaraderie, and connections with educators across multiple disciplines
• Gain new perspectives and a more honest assessment of your teaching in a safer environment by being observed by a peer from another discipline
• Improve your peer observation skills
• Receive a letter from a peer outside of your discipline

Based on our 2 year pilot of the Teaching Circles program, your time commitment will be approximately 9-12 hours during the semester. Exact meeting dates will be determined based on participant availability. What to expect:

• Kick-Off Meeting (90 minutes, in person, tbd Weeks 3-4): In this meet & greet you will be introduced to your cohort, share teaching experiences and goals for the semester, go over observation logistics, and get introduced to the CTL’s BUFF Classroom Observation Framework.
• Asynchronous Review of Framework (~30 min): Review the BUFF classroom observation framework between meetings and come to the training meeting prepared with questions.
• Training Meeting (75 minutes, in person, tbd Weeks 4-6): In this training we will go more in depth into the BUFF Classroom Observation Framework and use video clips from classroom teaching to practice using the framework during observations.
• Final Wrap-up Meeting (75 minutes, in person, tbd Weeks 11-13): This meeting is to discuss how teaching went this semester and what you learned about your teaching or new ideas for teaching through the process of observing others and being observed.

Additional meetings you will schedule with your cohort/partners:

• Pre-Observation Meeting (~1 hour): Schedule by Weeks 6-7.
• Classroom Observation(s) (time commitment varies based on course*): You will observe at least one session of a peer’s course. Plan to conduct your observation(s) between Weeks 6-9.
• Post-Observation Meeting (1 hour): Please schedule no later than Week 10 (must be completed before our Final Wrap-up Meeting).

_{*Please note that observations will vary in time commitment due to length of class being observed and variations in time to write out notes from the observation to prepare for the post-observation meeting. Typically allow 50-75 min to observe a class and 1-2 hours for transcribing / organizing your notes.}

_{*If you will be writing a letter for the person you observed for their dossier (recommended unless your partner does not want a letter), allow for an additional hour. Plan to complete as soon as possible after your post-observation meeting, but not later than one month after the final wrap-up meeting.}