Teaching Squares are Back!

September 7, 2023 / Faculty/Staff Highlights

Would you like to gain insights and learn new teaching methods directly from your peers? If so, consider joining a Teaching Square.

What are Teaching Squares?

  • Teaching Squares is a program designed to help you gain insights for improving your teaching.
  • Typically, four faculty members make up a square. They visit each other’s classrooms during a 6-week time period during the Fall 2023 semester. They will then meet to discuss what was learned from their observations. Three observations for each faculty member.
  • This program consists of reciprocal, non-evaluative observations and self-reflections based on peer feedback.
  • CATE will offer teaching squares for ZOOM classes NOVA-wide.

What are the benefits of Teaching Squares?

  • Gather ideas from your peers for improving your own instruction.
  • Try new instructional approaches and receive feedback.

What is the Teaching Squares commitment?

  • Participate in a kick-off meeting via zoom and meet your Teaching Squares peers. (Early September 2023)
  • Participate in three reciprocal observation rounds. Each round will take approximately two weeks. You will teach, observe, and provide feedback during each round.
  • Participate in a Teaching Squares group sharing session at the end of the semester. (Most likely beginning/middle of November 2023).

What are the Guiding Principles?

  • Reciprocity and Shared Responsibility
  • Appreciation
  • Self-referential Reflections
  • Mutual Respect

Interested in participating?

  • Contact Barbara Crain at bcrain@nvcc.edu
  • You will receive more detailed information and a doodle-like request.

Submitted by:
Barbara Crain, LO-Communication & Human Stuides, bcrain@nvcc.edu