No matter where you are in your career, it is always valuable to reflect on how your teaching practices impact student learning. On this webpage, we have outlined three frameworks for formative evaluation: self-evaluation, peer evaluation, and self-reflection. These frameworks can be used independently or together.
They can help you to:
- evaluate your own teaching practices
- gain formative feedback from peers
- establish goals for enhancing your teaching
These frameworks are guided by the University of Tennessee’s Principles of Excellence in Teaching (PoET), which were originated through collaborative efforts between the university’s faculty and Faculty Senate. Together, they established a shared definition of effective teaching. The figure demonstrates the PoET tenets.
About:
The instructor self-evaluation framework is designed to help you reflect on your teaching, recognize your strengths, and identify areas for growth. We encourage you to:
- Gather and examine pertinent documents as points of reference as you proceed through the evaluation process
- Read each statement carefully and respond honestly based on your knowledge and understanding.
- Rate performance based on your teaching practices over the past semester
- Complete self-reflection exercise or meet with an observation partner(s) if this evaluation is being paired with a peer observation
The self-evaluation framework uses a rubric that evaluates performance across four levels and rating scales. An explanation of the scale is provided for clarity, but each criterion within the rubric should be read carefully to determine the appropriate level.
4 – Mastery: Performance in this area is recognized as exceptional.
3 – Proficient: Satisfactory performance from the instructor; instructor is deemed to practice acceptable behaviors in this area.
2 – Developing: Performance needs to be strengthened to meet an acceptable level of teaching practice.
1 – Area of Improvement: Areas of performance in which instructor should seek help to improve immediately.
Note: If you rate yourself at mastery (4), proficient (3), and/or developing (2) for any of the categories, make sure to provide specific evidence from your materials.
About:
This peer observation framework can help peer observers capture observable actions and behaviors that are considered best practices across various course levels, disciplines, and student demographics. It uses a strengths-based approach by highlighting and building on what you do well rather than simply identifying areas for improvement. While this tool is primarily intended for formative assessment, it can also serve as a summative assessment.
The framework outlines six best practices for observers to follow during a peer observation:
- Conduct a pre-observation meeting
- Request pertinent documentation
- Be familiar with pre-assigned behaviors
- Conduct peer observation
- Write up feedback of observation
- Conduct a post-observation debrief
To facilitate your use of this framework:
About:
This self-reflection framework has been designed to support you in celebrating your growth and continuing to strengthen your teaching practice. It serves as a resource to guide your thinking as you:
- reflect on your instructional practice
- identity areas of strength and growth
- set short- and long-term goals
Before filling out this form, we recommend that you take time to complete the self-evaluation to prepare for this reflection.