Teaching Squares Program Page



“I love the positive, non-threatening evaluation of our colleagues’ classes. It’s a perfect way to get to know one another—sharing the common bond of teaching as a starting point.” Quote from a past participant
Program Guidelines Project Timeline The Teaching Squares project extends over a period of four to five weeks. During those weeks, you will contact your Square Partners, arrange classroom visits, provide copies of your course syllabus, observe and reflect, and share positive comments over lunch. Classroom Visit Duration Class times can vary considerably. Observing an entire class session from start to finish offers the best (and least disruptive) experience for you, your Square Partner, and the students. If scheduling conflicts do not allow you to stay for an entire class, discuss with your Square Partner the least disruptive means of joining and leaving the class. Sharing Course Information You can help your Square Partners gain a greater appreciation of the work that you do by providing a copy of the course syllabus and any relevant handouts for that day’s visit. Information to Share with Students Most students are very curious about the presence of a visitor in the classroom. You may want to introduce the visiting instructor and explain the purpose for the visit. Most students are impressed to learn that their instructor is participating in a project to enhance teaching. Arranging Classroom Visits A classroom visit tentative schedule has been provided on the next page. The actual visitation dates will depend on everyone’s availability. You will need to call or email your Square Partner to arrange a date and time for the classroom visit. Partner Lunch After completing your classroom visits, meet with your Square Partners over lunch. During lunch, reflect on the following questions: What did I learn from watching others that I want to start doing? What did I learn from watching others that I want to continue doing? What changes have I made in my own teaching as a result of my observations? Program Evaluation After the lunch, please complete the provided program evaluation for assessment purposes. Your input is vital in our efforts as we continue to improve the Teaching Squares Program.

Innovation Center for Teaching and Learning University of Hawai'i-Leeward Community College, Pearl City, Hawai'i
This Web Site was created following the Fair Use Guidelines for Educational Multimedia. Certain materials are included under the Fair Use exemption of the U.S. Copyright Law. Further use of these materials and this Web Site is restricted. The originator of the Teaching Squares Program is Anne Wessely, St. Louis Community College, St. Louis, MO. Written permission was received to use her concept at Leeward Community College and throughout this Web Site. Last Update: April 11, 2006 Questions: Email donnamat@hawaii.edu

Program Guidelines

Project Timeline

The Teaching Squares project extends over a period of four to five weeks. During those weeks, you will contact your Square Partners, arrange classroom visits, provide copies of your course syllabus, observe and reflect, and share positive comments over lunch.