Have you ever wondered how a course in a different department is taught? Would you be interested in meeting a colleague for a cup of coffee or tea to discuss teaching?

Much can be learned from observing a peer, even across disciplines. The Faculty Focus newsletter published an article about Broadening Pedagogical Knowledge by Learning from Other Disciplines that stated, “What and how we teach are linked, but there are other connections besides those between method and material, and those connections aren’t all unique to the discipline.”

The Academy is offering the opportunity to informally observe another faculty member’s class to foster inspiration and collaboration. Browse available course times. You may be interested in observing a colleague in your own department, but also feel free to choose a course in an area you are not necessarily familiar with. After the observation, we encourage you to meet with the peer instructor for an informal follow-up discussion about teaching and learning.

How do you sign up?

  1. View the list of available courses, dates, and times.
  2. Click “View & Sign Up” and submit your option to observe a peer instructor. Please only sign up for one open spot.
  3. The Academy will email you and the peer instructor with more information about scheduling.
  4. Meet for an informal follow-up discussion (optional).

Space and times are limited and are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, so reserve your spot as soon as possible.

We look forward to working with you to build an inspiring and collaborative teaching and learning environment.

Questions? Please contact the Academy at 847.925.6174, academy@harpercollege.edu.

“I liked the idea of getting out of my own classroom and observing someone else. Getting someone else’s perspective and watching them implement their methodology was refreshing.”

“It is always nice to see colleagues in the zone and reaching students in ways I wouldn’t have thought to try.”

“I really enjoyed sitting in a class. It reinforced things I already knew and added a few ideas to the toolbox.”

“It was nice to see what a peer instructor did in class and I even saw how she handled a classroom management issue which is something we’re not really trained to handle.”