“Oh, yeah. I’m supposed to do that.”

If you’re like me, you tend to forget about faculty peer review until the end of the semester. But this contractual requirement can be an opportunity for growth rather than a check-the-box chore. 

Many colleges and universities use the tried-and-true Teaching Squares method to help faculty accomplish meaningful peer review. The general idea is to have four faculty members team up to observe and provide feedback on elements of each other’s teaching. Multiple observations focus on different aspects of instruction identified by the participants, followed by discussions. Feedback is shared among faculty but not with supervisors. 

Most Teaching Squares programs run for at least a full semester. We are, obviously, too late for that this year. But you can use principles of the program to help you share observations with one other colleague. Consider using the observation forms from Colorado State University to help you focus your feedback. 

Please let us know what you think! We can consider running a more formal program next year.