This initiative is collaboration between CFE, UCAT, and Digital Learning.
Participants will identify a full-time faculty partner outside of their department/school. Each faculty member will observe one of their partner’s in-person or synchronous classes or review an asynchronous online course.
- If you want to be assigned a partner rather than select your own partner, you may request that during registration.
Each participant earns $300 upon completion.
Having a colleague observe your teaching or review your course can...
- advance teaching skills and confidence
- provide evidence of teaching excellence in the RP&T or annual review process
- foster a culture in which teaching is openly and enthusiastically discussed amongst faculty
Determine Your Purpose(s)
Identify one or two purpose(s) of the observation/review. This will help you to select your partner and increase the likelihood that the observation/review will yield information that meets your needs.
Select a partner who has expertise and insights related to the purpose of your observations. Be sure to meet with them to discuss...
- the purpose of the observation/review
- the context of your course
- the optimal date and time for the observation/review
Access detailed information about determining your purpose and tips for instructors and observers before, during and after your observation.
In-Person Observation
2. Observations
⭐ NEW FOR 2026-27: CFE’s Teaching Observation Template
Additional resources to help you make the best of your observation:
Online Observation
Before the Observation: The course instructor completes the Instructor Input Form to provide the peer reviewer with contextual information about the course.
During the Observation: The peer reviewer assesses how the instructor addresses each of the five categories using the Peer Review Guide for Online Teaching, noting strengths and areas for improvement.
After the Observation: The reviewer and instructor debrief the experience to discuss observations and how they can inform teaching enhancements.
Submit Your Observation
Be prepared with the following information when you submit your observation:
- For your classes that your partner observed:
- Name of class
- Format of class (in-person/online/hybrid)
- Dates observed
- Actions you intend to take to based on feedback you received from your observation/review partner.
- For your partner's classes that you observed:
- Name of class
- Format of class (in-person/online/hybrid)
- Dates observed
- A reflection on the teaching that you observed