because we believe good teaching makes the world

a better place

Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee 1

because we want to teach well

Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee 2

because the core elements of an improvement process are

practice to gain experience

reflecting on the outcomes and continuous learning from other teachers

Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee 3

Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee 4

we invite you to think about Teaching Circles

Teaching Circles are a formal complement to student evaluations of teaching

Teaching Circles are teachers helping teachers to improve student learning

Based upon the nationally acclaimed Critical Friends Group framework developed by the National School Reform Faculty (NSRF), conceived of by the

Annenberg Institute of School Reform (AISR) at Brown University in 1995Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee 5

Focus of teaching circles: student learning

Focus of student evaluations of teaching: customer satisfaction

They are different

Both matter

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A Teaching Circle works together to...

• Learn from each other

• discuss and establish student learning goals

• contemplate practices that improve student learning

• remove isolation-induced teaching anxiety and uncertainty

• look closely at student work and student learning outcomes

Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee 7

Teaching Circles Meetings: WHAT?

an open ended discussion and set of activities,

non-disclosed to non members,

about student learning

and how teachers address student learning

when designing, teaching and administering classesMeckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee 8

University of Portland Teaching Circles: Who?

groups of 4-8 university postgraduate scholars who teach

with whom those in the group feel very comfortable sharing their teaching-related work, thoughts, feelings,

opinions, skills, techniques, beliefs, and biases.

includes: regular faculty, adjunct faculty, emeritus faculty, program administrators, graduate student alumni

Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee 9

The Atmosphere is...

One of mutual trust, care and freedom from fear.

Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee 10

Teaching Circle Meetings: When?

Formally, two times per spring semester and fall semester

Informally whenever you feel like it.

Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee 11

Teaching Circles Meetings: HOW?

circle members agree on confidentiality

the group decides and has authority for agenda and activities

the topic of meetings is student learning

individual members privately reflect after the meeting

members record their reflections in a journal

Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee 12

Reflections: HOW? record reflections in a dated journal

write quotes about what others have said about your teaching or methods

reflect upon how you could use what was discussed to improve student learning in your classes.

reflect upon what you think you need to improve

Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee 13

Are administrators involved in teaching circles?

administrators should be actively supportive of Teaching Circles

Teaching Circles may (or may not) invite administrators to meetings, or invite administrators

to be included in their circle as a member

Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee 14

How might a dean support teaching circles?

leadership at University of Portland supports the ultimate goal of teaching circles: improved student learning

there are no other evaluations of teaching circle activities by anyone outside the circle

teaching circles may help faculty with teaching evaluation discussions with (or narratives to) your dean or chair

Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee 15

Join a Teaching Circle

build up a Teaching Circle mindfully

discuss a membership agreement

think about including members from other disciplines

meet twice per term

reflect

Meckler, University of Portland, Teaching and Scholarship Committee 16