Learning and Teaching Center (Old)

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?

Click here to download the application 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@carleton.edu.