FAQs for teachers:
How will observers know where and when my class is held?
Observers will be able to register for different classes across the University using an online registration system and calendar. The date, time, and location details will be emailed to registered observers.
How many observers are likely to attend my class?
So as not to disrupt your class, observers will be limited. You can set this limit when adding your class for Open Door. Though we cannot guarantee how many registered observers will attend, each registrant will receive an automatic email reminder on the day.
During class will I know who is observing and how many are attending?
Observers are asked to sit at the back (virtually, or physically), try to blend in, and not disturb the class. If you have a large class, you are unlikely to know who is observing.
What if my physical class is full to capacity?
In this situation observers will be asked to give their seat preferentially to students.
Should I tell my students what is happening?
We recommend that you are open with your class, and say something along the lines of: “There may be a few teachers from around the university in today's class observing how we learn.”
Can I invite colleagues that I’m friends with to attend my own sessions?
Absolutely. Observers are there to learn how other people teach, not to objectively assess or monitor. Even colleagues who have worked together for years may have never seen one another teach a class. This is part of academic culture that Open Door Week aims to counter.
Will the observers ask questions or participate in class activities?
No, they will be asked purely to observe, although they may wish to take notes for their own learning and may email or meet you after the class. However, if you are running something like a worksheet activity, where it is easy to provide observers with an additional then you should feel free to do this if you think that this will help them better understand the class.
Will the observers give me feedback on my class?
Open Door Week is about people learning about learning and teaching by observing the practices of others. If you would like, you can tick a box when you offer a class for observation that lets us know that you’d like to connect with any observers. If your observers are also keen, we will help facilitate these connections so that you can have an informal conversation after the class. Otherwise, feedback is not a mandatory part of the Open Door process.
Will observers take notes about my class?
Just like your students, observers may or may not take notes during your class. However, since Open Door Week has is not about formal feedback or assessment, any observer note-taking is largely for the observer’s own reflection and learning.
If observers do take notes in my class, where do these notes go?
Will they be made public?
Observers are not there to assess your class. As such, their notes are for their own personal learning and development.