The Perlman Center for Learning
and Teaching
invites
you to participate in the Student Observer Program
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE
STUDENT OBSERVER PROGRAM
1.
What is the purpose of the Student Observer Program?
Since its inception
in the early 1970’s, the Student Observer Program at Carleton has been offered
to faculty as a means to discover how students view their teaching. The program provides faculty with students who
strive to offer information about their teaching that is both impartial and
student-oriented.
2.
Is the program available to all faculty?
Yes.
In fact, faculty from a number of different departments
have used the program. They include
faculty who are tenured and untenured, permanent and temporary.
The program is used by people offering large lectures and small discussion
classes, by faculty who are experimenting with a new strategy, and by faculty
who simply want to ascertain that their current pedagogical methods are working.
3.
Who are the observers and how are they selected?
Student observers come
to the program a number of ways, but many are enrolled in Carleton’s Educational
Studies Program, or have demonstrated a desire to pursue a career in education.
These students have some theoretical background in pedagogical issues
as well as a demonstrated interest in effective teaching.
4.
Is my participation in the program recorded?
Only
if you choose to make it known. The
coordinator of the program reports to the Dean of the College only the number
and kind of faculty using the program, and this is done strictly for budget
and planning purposes. You are free to
identify your student observer to your class, and in most cases, this seems
to work best. However, you need not do
so, and in their training, student observers are cautioned about the need to
keep confidential both their status as observers--if the faculty member wishes--and
the content of their conversations with the faculty
member.
5.
How do I get involved?
Complete the information
on the back of this sheet and return it to the LTC.
The Assistant Coordinator will match your needs and schedule with an
appropriate observer. Observing is student
work: The student comes to most of your
classes and meets with you weekly for half-hour or so. At your first meeting, you and your observer
will discuss what you hope to achieve from your participation in the program.
6.
I have more questions…
Call Jennifer Cox Johnson,
Perlman Center for Learning and Teaching Assistant Coordinator at x4192,
or email: jcoxjohn.
(application
below)
FACULTY
Application for
the Student Observer Program
Name: __________________________ Department:
__________________________
Extension: _______________________ E-Mail Address: _______________________
Course
for which you would like to request an observer:
Term:
_____ Time:
_____ Course Number: ______ Title:
______________________
Your
response to these questions will help us pair you with an observer who best
suits your needs.
1)
What teaching
issues/goals would you like to explore through the Student Observer Program?
2)
What special
qualifications, if any would you prefer in an observer?
major: ___________________________ gender: _________________________
concentrations: ____________________ year: ___________________________
previous experience:
_________________________________________________
language(s)
studied/spoken: ___________________________________________
other considerations:
3)
Do you have a
particular student (or several) in mind who would
suit your needs?
1) _______________________________________________________________
2) _______________________________________________________________
3) _______________________________________________________________
Please return this form to Jennifer Cox Johnson,
the Perlman Center for Learning and Teaching, Laird 115.
See questions and answers on other side. Feel free to call extension 4192 or
E-mail jcoxjohn with questions.