Faculty teaching confidence soars through peer observation program

A simple yet powerful peer observation program has transformed teaching confidence and community in SFU's Faculty of Environment, with 100% of participants reporting new insights about their teaching practice and meaningful connections with colleagues.

The Project

Tara Holland, senior lecturer in the Faculty of Environment, recognized that faculty often teach in isolation without the peer feedback and community. Drawing on the Teaching Squares model from St. Louis Community College, she developed a program where faculty observe each other's classes and reflect on their own teaching practices.

The program brings together three or four faculty members who observe each other's classes throughout a semester, then meet to discuss what they learned about their own teaching through these observations. Unlike traditional peer review, the emphasis is entirely on self-reflection and professional growth rather than evaluation.

Over two years, three teaching squares involved 9 faculty members from across FENV's diverse disciplines, creating unexpected connections and collaborative relationships that continue beyond the formal program.

Project Highlights

The impact exceeded expectations despite modest participation numbers. Survey results showed 100% of participants learned something about their teaching, while 62.5% reported the program actually changed their teaching approach: remarkable outcomes for any professional development initiative.

"Most positively, I got feedback from peers that my teaching was overall good," reflected one participant. "This gave me the confidence to stick with my general strategy and hone it, rather than doubt and make huge changes. This more confident attitude really improved my life and now I stress a little bit less."

The program successfully addressed two critical needs: building teaching confidence and creating community among faculty. Participants reported learning specific strategies for student communication and classroom management while gaining validation for effective practices they were already using.

Looking Ahead

Based on research findings, the program is being rebranded as "Teaching Triangles", since groups naturally formed with three rather than four participants, with enhanced facilitation support. Plans include expanding participation through sharing participant testimonials and developing sustainability strategies beyond current Teaching Fellows support.

Holland's work has contributed to her recognition with the 2023 SFU Excellence in Teaching Award, demonstrating how teaching leadership and innovation gain institutional recognition and support.