Observation Mentors

What are observation mentors?

Observation mentors are faculty who have completed our observation-based learning communities (TOP, Teaching in ALCs). They help grow capacity for formative course observations.

Why become a mentor?

Most faculty new to observations need to be oriented to the process and protocols through a low-stakes practice opportunity. Mentoring also keeps you involved in observations, reflection and your own educational development!

What will be asked of you?

Mentoring happens in our Community Classrooms, which represent diverse disciplines, classroom styles, and pedagogies.

You will:

  1. Partner with a new observee currently enrolled in an observation-based learning community
  2. Observe a class together.
  3. Discuss the observation process to help prepare them for future observations. (There are no required meetings with the instructional faculty being observed.) 

The details:

  • Before the semester starts, you will receive a Google calendar invite with all Community Classrooms.
  • Add your name to any classes you’re available to observe with a mentee.
  • Coordinate with your mentee to schedule an observation and follow-up discussion.

How much time will it require?

Assuming you will observe one 50-minute course, and have a 30-45 minute discussion, we anticipate mentoring one colleague will take less than 2 hours of your time. You can mentor multiple observers if you choose. Based on scheduling, you may not be asked to mentor at all.