Learning Circles, Teaching Squares & Triangles

Professional development to promote student success is critical to create institutional change. But it's also important that we promote our own self-reflection, mindfulness, and sense of well-being in the ever-changing landscape of the work we do. As I stated in my first weekly email to faculty last Monday, the theme of my weeklies this quarter will be Growth Mindset and Reflection. I am currently taking a MOOC on Coaching Teachers, and one of the themes in the MOOC is Fixed vs. Growth Mindset,** and Carol Dweck’s work is frequently referenced. Would you like to learn more about this fascinating idea? Join a Learning Circle!

LEARNING CIRCLE

A learning circle is a group of people who come together to discuss a (somewhat) focused topic, such as growth mindset. During the summer a group of faculty and staff met to read and discuss Dweck’s seminal work, “Mindset.” While we had a book that we were focusing on, there were lots of articles and personal experiences shared during the discussions. Are there other topics that would make for equally rich conversations? How about Implicit Bias? Micro-aggressions? Benefits of Mentoring? I can think of a number of them – all you have to do is pick a topic, send me your idea, and I will post an email asking people if they’d like to join you! There are several great places to meet and discuss great ideas on campus.

FAQs:

Who can join a Learning Circle? Anyone and everyone! The combination of staff and faculty made for rich conversations during the summer.

How often do you have to meet? I recommend at least every other week.

How long does each meeting last? At least 1 hour each time.

How long does a Learning Circle last? At least 1 quarter, possibly all year!

TEACHING SQUARE/TRIANGLE

A teaching square (4 people) or teaching triangle (3 people) is a group of faculty who want to learn more about their own teaching practices by visiting other classrooms (face-to-face or virtual) and opening their own classroom to others. Teaching Squares are intended to promote self-reflection about one’s own teaching rather than peer evaluations. Conversations focus on what members learned about their own teaching and avoid direct commentary on their colleague’s performance. The goal is to open our classrooms to one another while preserving a respectful and mutually-supportive experience for all involved. Participants are encouraged to approach the experience in a spirit of appreciation – even celebration - of the work of their colleagues.

FAQs:

Who can join a Teaching Square/Triangle? Anyone and everyone! All full-time and associate faculty are welcome! Faculty are encouraged to join with a diversity of disciplines, but this is not always possible. The focus is on improving teaching practices no matter what area you teach in.

How often does a Square/Triangle have to meet? Teaching Squares members

commit to attending an initial meeting early in the quarter to discuss expectations and logistics, to visiting one another’s classes at least once, and then meeting again towards the end of the quarter once all observations are complete to discuss what they’ve learned.

How long does a Square/Triangle last? At least 1 quarter, possibly all year! If you have learned a lot from your experience, why not do it again with other faculty? Don’t forget that online instructors can open their classes for observation as well!

How long does each meeting last? That is determined by the group discussion.

Faculty who have participated in Teaching Squares in the past have said that it was one of the best things they’ve done! It is an exciting way to learn more about what methodologies are used in other classes and other disciplines, and a great way to make friends across campus.

**Here’s a good quick definition of Growth and Fixed Mindsets:

Growth Mindset – your abilities can be developed; with effort and practice you can improve.

Fixed Mindset – your abilities are innate and you cannot improve your skills.

If you are interested in any of these ideas, please email me, Peg Balachowski at EvCC Teaching and Learning (teachingandlearning@everettcc.edu). Click HERE to download a copy of the Teaching Squares document.