Academic Development: Teaching Squares
Discover the power of reflection by observing peers with Teaching Squares
Are you looking to elevate your teaching practice and connect with fellow educators?
Teaching Squares offer a unique opportunity to observe and reflect on your peers’ teaching in a supportive, non-evaluative environment. By joining a Teaching Square, you’ll gain fresh insights, discover new strategies, and engage in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) to further enhance your effectiveness and reflective practice as an educator.
What is a Teaching Square?
- A teaching square (or triangle) is a group of colleagues (4 for a square, 3 for a triangle), who agree to observe 1 hour of each other's class across an agreed time period.
- The total time commitment for a square is 5-6 hours.
- Can be done with colleagues from the same course, different courses, different programs and different disciplines.
- Process of reciprocal peer observation, self-reflection, and group discussion.
- Opportunity for the observer(s) to witness differing approaches and styles, to gain new insights into your teaching, build community, and discuss teaching and learning in a supportive manner.
What is not a Teaching Square?
- Teaching Squares are NOT for evaluation, promotion, review, critique, criticism, or judgment.
- Observation is non-evaluative.
- Observation is not done to provide feedback to the person being observed.
Useful Resources
TEACHING SQUARES - EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
The Teaching and Innovation Unit offers a variety of options for professional development, including short courses and symposiums. Check out the calendar to find out what's on.
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Core concepts, quizzes and online lessons: To adapt your teaching requires a commitment to developing your skill-set and possibly collaborating with the TIU.
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