Teaching Observation: What It Is and How to Implement It at Charles University
This meeting aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Teaching Observation (T.O.) in higher education, focusing on its purpose, significance, and role in professional development. It will outline various models and approaches to T.O., including peer, expert, and self-observation, and explore the benefits for both teachers and observers. Additionally, we will discuss various examples of good practices from abroad, address common challenges, such as faculty resistance, and propose future directions. Finally, recommendations tailored to different stakeholders at Charles University will be offered, emphasizing the importance of constructive feedback, reflection, and continuous improvement.
Meeting Agenda
- 9:30 – 9:45 | Opening
- 9:45 – 10:30| Comprehensive Overview of Teaching Obervation
An overview of the practice of Teaching Observation (T.O.) in universities will be presented, laying the foundation for the activities planned during the meeting. The session will begin with a definition of T.O. and its role in reflective practice and professional development. Various observation models, objectives, and roles will be discussed, along with global perspectives, case studies, and best practice
- 10:30 – 11:00 | Coffee Break
- 11:00 – 12:00 | Interactive Group Activities – Round 1
Participants will work in groups, using practical tools commonly applied in the practice of Teaching Observation (T.O.).
- 12:00 – 12:30 | Coffee Break
- 12:30 – 13:30 | Interactive Group Activities – Round 2
In this round, participants will further engage in group work, focusing on how T.O. can be contextualized for Charles University, particularly in relation to its Framework for Effective Teaching.
- 13:30 – 14:00 | Closing Remarks and Next Steps
The session will conclude by summarizing the group activities and outlining the steps for implementing T.O. practices at Charles University.
Meeting Hosts:
Manuela Milani (Paedagogium, Charles University)
Manuela Milani is an academic developer with more than 20 years of experience in different Universities in Europe. In the last years she has designed and delivered many training and professional development activities for faculty members. Her publications include several papers on the use of cultural differences in teaching and learning, on teaching observations practices and faculty training design and quality of teaching perception.
Bartłomiej Wróblewski (Paedagogium, Charles University)
He graduated from Kazimierz Wielki University (Bydgoszcz, Poland) with a master’s degree in English Philology and a postgraduate degree in Pedagogy. He currently works as an educational developer at Charles University in Prague and is the vice-chair of the Paedagogium platform. He is involved in the development and coordination of the training system for academic staff and PhD students in the field of pedagogical competences. He contributes to improving the quality of academic teaching at Charles University through his involvement in various projects. He is responsible for coordinating the establishment of Teaching and Learning Centres at Charles University. He is also the co-author of the Framework for Effective Teaching at Charles University.
