Teaching Squares

Teaching Squares are an innovative approach towards peer review of teaching and educational practice that leverages the interdisciplinary potential of the university and the synergy of small group collaboration.

Teaching Squares involves four academics each from a different disciplines engaging in group-based, reciprocal peer review of curriculum or teaching.

The focus can be as narrow or as broad as the group members decide.

Teaching Squares is based on four Cornerstone Values (pictured below) that emphasise the collegiality in the peer review of teaching and educational practice.Teaching Squares are non-evaluative, and thus are intended to promote self-reflection about one’s own teaching rather than peer evaluation.

You can learn more about Teachings Squares by reading our Teaching Squares Handbook (DOCX, 43.66 KB)(opens in a new window)

Teaching Squares 2020 Pilot

In 2020 as part of the Peer Review Champions initiative, the first ever transdisciplinary Teaching Squares were piloted at Western.

These teaching squares covered a range of strategic topics including:

  • HyFlex and Flipped Delivery;
  • Alternative Assessment;
  • Project-Based Learning;
  • Work Integrated Learning,
  • Authentic Assessment.
  • And more!

Interest in Teaching Squares was high, and our Peer Review Champions took the concept back to their respective Schools as an approach to collaboration and peer review. You can watch the video below to learn more!

The initial feedback received from pilot participants was very positive:

Four Cornerstone Values

Four Corners

RECIPROCITY AND SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

Through mutual exchange of visits with Square partners, participants assume roles as both observer and observed, teacher and student. They simultaneously share the risks and rewards of inviting colleagues into their classrooms. Participants jointly assume the tasks of arranging visits and sharing information, thus minimizing the effort for any single participant and fostering a spirit of collegiality.

SELF-REFLECTION

The final group discussion is an opportunity to share what you have learned. It is NOT an opportunity to improve anyone else’s teaching. By keeping the observations focused on oneself, participants avoid any hint of evaluation or judgment that could contribute to a climate of defensiveness or suspicion.

APPRECIATION

The final group meeting is an opportunity to identify and affirm the behaviors and practices that enhance student learning across disciplines. It thus provides a way of articulating goals for all participants to pursue, in a supportive and collaborative way.

MUTUAL RESPECT

Participants agree to enter colleagues’ classrooms with an attitude of respect for both the instructor and the student, recognizing that various methods and techniques work for different people, in different disciplines, and in specific classroom situations. Participants demonstrate respect by not making evaluative comments to others within—or outside—the Square.

For any queries about Teaching Squares, please contact the academic lead, Gina Saliba, g.saliba@westernsydney.edu.au(opens in a new window) or LearningFutures@westernsydney.edu.au(opens in a new window)