Observations and Evaluation

The Harte Center team, in collaboration with W&L faculty, has developed a teaching observation process that is aligned with the below framework for the assessment of teaching effectiveness.

Framework for Assessment of Teaching Effectiveness

The Harte Center collaborated with FATE, a 2024-2025 ad hoc committee, to develop a Framework for Assessment of Teaching Effectiveness. The committee’s full work is available to all W&L faculty and staff via Canvas. The current formulation is intended to help instructors improve their teaching. 

The Framework recognizes four categories that interact to result in effective teaching that align with faculty approved language in the 2026 faculty handbook: “We value teaching approaches that are grounded in purposeful course design, informed instructional choices, a focus on student learning, and improvement through reflective practice.”

View the FATE Suggested Guidance for Formative Assessment of Teaching webpage.

Learn more about the process for developing the framework and the categories of effective teaching.

Peer Observation Process

The FATE framework is incredibly useful to chart your instructional growth, whether you are new to teaching or trying new strategies in a course you’ve taught for years. The framework supports intentional observation of stated goals, resulting in meaningful feedback. If you would like a classroom observation using the framework, you can download the below guide and pair up with a trusted colleague.

You can also schedule an appointment to request a member from the Harte Center to observe your class.

Feel free to download the observation form.

If you observe a colleague’s class and would like information about the formal classroom observation process and resulting letter, visit the Advisory Committee Advice for Classroom Observation webpage.

We are grateful for the support provided by the Associated Colleges of the South. In particular, the observation process was developed using the Toolkit for Faculty Evaluation.