Learning and Teaching Center (Old)

Student Observer Program Links:

Student Observer Frequently Asked Questions

Purpose

The purpose of the Student Observer program is to provide faculty with trained students who will sit in on their classes and discuss observations, insights, and questions about the teaching and learning in a course. The program has worked successfully for faculty members from a wide variety of disciplines and in various stages of their careers. The point of the program is to give faculty the benefit of a trained student's perspective on a course as the course is developing.

How to Get Involved

Interested faculty should contact the LTC directly or complete the above application and submit it to the LTC. Professors are paired with student observers, who are paid to attend classes and meet regularly to discuss their confidential observations. Faculty are expected to provide goals for the observers by directing attention to particular issues or concerns in their teaching or the course. Observers' comments have been quite helpful to faculty. Having an additional set of eyes and ears in the classroom helps to inform faculty decisions, build confidence in their teaching strategies, and further their reflections about the often complicated dynamics of the educational process.

What Participants Say...

Professors:

"I had specific goals for how to make the class more interactive...with the help of my observer, they worked so well that we've gone on to new issues!"

"The observer was able to tell me how students react in ways I could not know, or notice easily."

Student:

"Now I'm a student observer in all my classes...I'm gaining skills in identifying what works and learning how I learn best."