Reflection

Guidelines

• Every effort should be made to observe an instructor on more than one occasion.
• Avoid conducting multiple observations of the same instructor in the same week.
• Prior to the class observation, the reviewer and instructor should agree on an exit strategy, in the event the reviewer does not observe the entire class.
• In most situations, it is recommended that the reviewer observes the entirety of the class session in order to get an accurate picture of the instructor and the session.

The following list may help guide personal reflection:

• Relationship of review results to one’s teaching goals and philosophy
• Most helpful aspect of peer review process
• Identification of problem areas.
• Relate findings of review to plans to alter future teaching practice
• Concrete steps for future action
• Written narrative

Reflection Methods

Written Narrative

• What insights have you gained?
• What were you trying to achieve during the peer-review process?
• Given the situation, how might you respond differently in the future?
• How do you feel about the experience?
• What is your action plan for making improvements?

Gibb’s method

• Have the observation experience
• Describe the observation experience
• Record feelings and reactions about the observation experience
• Evaluate the observation experience
• Develop ways to improve the observation experience
• General conclusions about improving teaching and learning in the class
• Specific conclusions about improving teaching and learning in the class
• Develop a personal action plan using teaching mentors, resources through the Center for Teaching Excellence, and other resources available at Miami

John’s method

• What? -- describe the observation experience
• So What? -- a critical analysis of the observation experience
• Now What? -- propose actions for making improvements in the teaching and learning environment.

Reflection Products

• Reflection document
• Statement in dossier or annual report