because we believe good teaching makes the world a better place

1. because we believe good teaching makes the world a better place Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee

2. because we want to teach well Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee

3. because the core elements of an improvement process are practice to gain experience reflecting on the outcomes and continuous learning from other teachers Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee

4. we invite you to think about Teaching Circles Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee

5. Teaching Circles are a formal complement to student evaluations of teaching Teaching Circles are teachers helping teachers to improve student learning Based upon the nationally acclaimed Critical Friends Group framework developed by the National School Reform Faculty (NSRF), conceived of by the Annenberg Institute of School Reform (AISR) at Brown University in 1995 Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee

6. Focus of teaching circles: student learning Focus of student evaluations of teaching: customer satisfaction They are different Both matter Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee

7. Learn from each other discuss and establish student learning goals contemplate practices that improve student learning remove isolation-induced teaching anxiety and uncertainty look closely at student work and student learning outcomes A Teaching Circle works together to... Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee

8. Teaching Circles Meetings: WHAT? an open ended discussion and set of activities, non-disclosed to non members, about student learning and how teachers address student learning when designing, teaching and administering classes Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee

9. University of Portland Teaching Circles: Who? groups of 4-8 university postgraduate scholars who teach with whom those in the group feel very comfortable sharing their teaching-related work, thoughts, feelings, opinions, skills, techniques, beliefs, and biases. includes: regular faculty, adjunct faculty, emeritus faculty, program administrators, graduate student alumni Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee

10. The Atmosphere is... One of mutual trust, care and freedom from fear. Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee

11. Teaching Circle Meetings: When? Formally, two times per spring semester and fall semester Informally whenever you feel like it. Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee

12. Teaching Circles Meetings: HOW? circle members agree on confidentiality the group decides and has authority for agenda and activities the topic of meetings is student learning individual members privately reflect after the meeting members record their reflections in a journal Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee

13. Reflections: HOW? record reflections in a dated journal write quotes about what others have said about your teaching or methods reflect upon how you could use what was discussed to improve student learning in your classes. reflect upon what you think you need to improve Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee

14. Are administrators involved in teaching circles? administrators should be actively supportive of Teaching Circles Teaching Circles may (or may not) invite administrators to meetings, or invite administrators to be included in their circle as a member Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee

15. How might a dean support teaching circles? leadership at University of Portland supports the ultimate goal of teaching circles: improved student learning there are no other evaluations of teaching circle activities by anyone outside the circle teaching circles may help faculty with teaching evaluation discussions with (or narratives to) your dean or chair Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee

16. Join a Teaching Circle build up a Teaching Circle mindfully discuss a membership agreement think about including members from other disciplines meet twice per term reflect Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee