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AE3 – Development Site

The Academy for Excellence in Engineering Education

Peer Observations

Faculty/staff member gesturing during a meeting.

AE3 offers every instructor, especially new and junior faculty, the chance to be observed in the classroom. Participants consistently say that being observed while teaching is the most useful experience they have with regard to improving their teaching.

The AE3 Peer Observation process is based on the concept of “Assidere,” the Latin root of the word assessment, meaning “to sit beside.”  The Peer Observation process is colleagues working together in a trusting atmosphere to collaborate, build, and develop our talents. This involves constructive criticism and feedback, not intimidation. We observe, discuss, plan, and revise. It’s a long term relationship.

If you would like to be observed at any point during the semester, please contact a member of the AE3 Staff (engr-ae3@illinois.edu) and we will help set up an observation for you.

What does a peer observation look like?  It follows this sequence:

peer-observation-sequence

Downloadable documents for the Peer Observation Process:

Observation Instrument

Self Reflection Instrument

Post Observation Commentary Form