Leading by Example: Instructional shadowing as a professional development tool

Abstract

As instructors, we each have a style and specific strategies for engaging students and communicating information effectively.

Continued engagement, development, and improvement as instructors can be difficult when we have tried and true methods that seem successful. We have formal methods of evaluation in place, but where can we seek new ideas and continue to develop as instructors? Our colleagues serve as some of our best resources. We opted to create an informal peer shadowing program that allows instructors the opportunity to observe and learn from colleagues in practical settings.

This shadowing program is intended to function as a professional development option, useful for both new and experienced instructors. It is not evaluative but aspires to spark creativity and partnerships.

This poster details the process for starting your own instructional shadowing program, including steps, assessment measures, considerations, and lessons learned.