Online Course Observation

1. Online Course Observation

2. Objectives: • Articulate the steps of an online faculty observation • Explain the elements of the GRCC Online Course Observation Form • Properly complete a GRCC Online Course Observation Form • Provide constructive feedback

3. Online Course Observations… • Contribute to personal and professional growth of both the observer and observed • Foster collegiality • Encourage us to share ideas • Identify projects that can be used in our Faculty Performance Evaluations (improving teaching effectiveness, assessment projects, etc.) • Create excitement around online teaching

4. Documenting Plan • Faculty members [being observed] will offer their evaluators at least 3 different online class weeks from which the evaluator can choose to observe. • This should be outlined on the FPE form in the fall. • Refer to p. 7 in MOU

5. Before the Observation • Contact the faculty to gain access to the online course • Contact the faculty to determine areas of concentration • Talk about the normal online classroom etiquette • Ask if the course instructor have special expectations for the class that you should know about • Discuss impact of observer on group dynamics • Discuss impact of observer on instructor

6. During the Observation • Consider the following: • Observer Etiquette • Participation in group activities (from instructor) • Observing only • Be specific when possible with examples or suggestions with notes on worksheet along with constructive comments.

7. Reporting Process • After the observation • Create a summary report • Length of time to create summary ~ 1hour • Arrange for Post observation meeting: F2F or electronically • Within 2 weeks of observation

8. Elements of Effective Teaching • Organization and Design • Curriculum and Instruction • Technical

9. Using the form • Can’t observe everything • Focus on pre-determined area, if applicable • If none stated, then pick 2 or 3 from each category

10. Using the form • Note techniques that worked well • Make suggestions to try new techniques • Be as specific as possible • Focus on content as well as delivery

11. Creating a Summary Report • Plan for ~1 hour to create report • Complete GRCC Online Course Observation Form • Include observations of the faculty member’s teaching, leading with strengths • For areas that need improvement, be as specific as possible • Be direct • Be as objective as possible

12. Leading the post-observation meeting • Plan for ~1 hour to meet with peer • Have a copy of the summary report for each of you • Start with statement recognizing snap shot of teaching, impact of observer on classdynamics • Ask how the instructor thought the class went • Review each section of the report together

13. Post observation • Reflect on what you as an observer have learned from this experience • How will your teaching change as a result of this experience?

14. Q: What to do if you have concerns post observation or post observation meeting? A: Contact your Associate Dean of Faculty Evaluation and Hiring FAQ

15. Q: Are there additional responsibilities if I observe an adjunct faculty member? A: There are a few easy responsibilities. Demonstrate a high level of professionalism and respect Meet with them for a post observation in a timely manner. Refer adjunct faculty to CTE trainings as appropriate. Inform CTE of trends in professional development needs among adjuncts so that CTE may develop appropriate training sessions. Provide an end of semester findings report to the Director of CTE Connect adjuncts with other faculty and/or institutional resources

16. Learning Summary • Identify the behaviors that characterize the elements of effective teaching • Complete a GRCC Online Course Observation Form • Conduct a post observation meeting, using a summary report • Deliver constructive criticism in an appropriate manner

17. Questions?