Santa Clara University

Confidential Classroom Visits

The Faculty Development Program offers confidential classroom consultation services. Consultations are voluntary, developmental, and non-evaluative. Faculty may meet with the director to discuss issues related to teaching, or ask a consultant to observe a class. A list of Santa Clara University faculty who serve as trained consultants is available.

For classroom observations, one option is the "Small Group Instructional Diagnosis" (SGID). This technique involves an initial consultation, a half-hour interview with the class, and a follow up meeting. In the classroom visit students are organized into small groups. Groups are asked to reach a consensus on what they like about a course and what suggestions they have for improving it. Student comments are shared only with the faculty member requesting the service.

Faculty consistently praise this service for its non-threatening and constructive results. They typically report increased student interest, increased acceptance of course methodology, and improved numerical and narrative evaluations. As noted above, the process is confidential, voluntary, and non-evaluative.

To schedule a classroom visit or observation, please contact Anne Riconosciuto, x2746.