Your opportunity to observe teaching [and teachers] in action

About the teacher:

Stephen Burke is an Academic Casual in the Department of Management, Macquarie Business School.

About the class:
MGMT1002 Principles of Management tutorial class runs for 2 hours on campus. The class involves group work and although engagement changes during over the session, Stephen is trying to keep the students excited and engaged about management and learning from each other as part of the tutorial sessions.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 2 observers for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Stephen would be interested in having a conversation with you before you attenbd the class. Email: stephen.burke@mq.edu.au
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the MGMT1002 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the MGMT1002 iLearn site.

During the class:

• You will be introduced to the class as an observer.
• Stephen would be interested in receiving any general feedback and some ideas for securing a higher level of student engagement- so consider that as you observe.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.

After the class:

Please contact Stephen after the class to set up a time to chat and reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email stephen.burke@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Iain Collings is a Professor in Engineering in the School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering. View Iain’s profile. In 2022, Iain was a Highly Commended finalist for the Vice Chancellor’s Learning and Teaching award for Teaching Excellence. Read more about Iain’s teaching approach on page 10 of the awards booklet.

About the class:
The TELE3350 Communication Networks practical classes are run in the main central area of the MQ Engineering building at 44 Waterloo Road (note this is a couple of blocks away from the main MQ campus). The lab sessions are practical hands-on sessions. The first 5 are using network switches to set up ethernet networks. The rest are using Matlab to simulate aspects of digital communication systems.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 10 observers for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• There is no need to contact Iain prior to attending the class.
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the TELE3350 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the TELE3350 iLearn site.

During the class:

• Iain would be interested in receiving any general feedback – so consider that as you observe.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.

After the class:

Please contact Iain after the class to set up a time to chat and reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email iain.collings@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Icaro de Oliveira Rosa is an Academic Casual in the Macquarie School of Education, Faculty of Arts.

About the class:
In this ARTS1000 tutorial there will be discussions about “the future of meaningful work”. It will involve primarily group discussions. There won’t be any breakout rooms. In terms of technology, slides will be used.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 1 observer for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the ARTS1000 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the ARTS1000 iLearn site.
• Contact Icaro if you would like him to share the tutorial plan and slides before the class. Email icaro.deoliveirarosa@mq.edu.au

During the class:

• You will be introduced to the class as an observer.
• Icaro would be interested in receiving some feedback in the following areas: Classroom management and dynamics; ideas about delivery modes; lesson structure and general feedback – so consider that as you observe.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.

After the class:

Please contact Icaro after the class to set up a time to chat and reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email icaro.deoliveirarosa@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Janet Dutton is a Senior Lecturer in Educational Studies in the School of Education, Faculty of Arts. View Janet’s profile. Read more about Janet’s teaching in these TECHE posts: Spotlight on practice: How I teach now and Lesson planning for online classes.

About the class:
The EDTE4230 workshop will be focusing on catering for EAL/D learners and will be active – role plays, oracy activities, maybe some drama activities. The focus will be on how teachers can encourage students to tell their stories and use students’ home languages (translanguaging). The aim is to learn how to support student identity in the classroom and shape stronger connections with communities.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 15 observers for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the EDTE4230 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the EDTE4230 iLearn site.
• Janet is happy to chat before the class if you wish (but optional). Email janet.dutton@mq.edu.au

During the class:

• Observers can arrive and leave as suits their schedule – you do not need to stay for the full duration of the class.
• As an observer, you can get involved in the class as much or as little as you would like to.
• Janet would be interested in receiving some feedback about instructions and student participation – so consider that as you observe.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.

After the class:

Please contact Janet after the class to set up a time to chat and reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email janet.dutton@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Josh Fitzgerald is a Sessional Teaching Academic in the Department of Chiropractic, Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences. In 2022 he won the Vice Chancellor’s Learning and Teaching Sessional Staff Award. Read more about Josh’s teaching in this TECHE post Celebrating Award winning teaching.

About the class:
CHIR8506 Diagnosis and Management 2 is a 2- hour tutorial for postgraduate students. Josh says “this class is enjoyable for myself and the students as we explore putting all the pieces of their degrees together, integrating it all for real-world clinical application. We will navigate case based learning utilising a variety of inclusive learning activities.”

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 3 observers for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Please contact Josh before attending the class if you would like to have a conversation about what to expect in the class and any background information. Email josh.fitzgerald@mq.edu.au
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the CHIR8506 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the CHIR8506 iLearn site.

During the class:

• Observers will be introduced as a visitor and are welcome to sit in the background, but will also be invited to engage in some of the activities if they wish.
• Josh would be interested in receiving some general feedback on the class – so consider that as you observe.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.

After the class:

Please contact Josh after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email josh.fitzgerald@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Richard Garner is an Associate Professor in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering. View Richard’s profile. In 2022 he was a Highly Commended finalist in the Vice Chancellor’s Learning and Teaching Student Nominated Awards. Read more about Richard and his teaching approach on page 35 of the Awards booklet.

About the class:
MATH1007 Discrete Mathematics 1 has a 1- hour lecture on campus. This is a first-year discrete mathematics unit which is a core unit for many of the computing degrees. This year, we are trying something new by moving the traditional lecture material for the unit to pre-recorded videos, with these lecture hours then giving a more problem-based, interactive, take on that same material. So the two modes of delivery complement each other, and students are free to choose whichever best fits their learning style.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 10 observers for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Please contact Richard before attending the class. Email richard.garner@mq.edu.au
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the MATH1007 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the MATH1007 iLearn site and take a look at the pre-recorded videos to get an idea of the kinds of things being done in this unit. Note that the lectures don’t presuppose that you have watched the videos, so they should be self-contained.

During the class:

• Feel free to interact in the same way as the students do whilst ensuring it is a safe space where students feel free to speak up.
• Richard would be interested in receiving some general feedback on the class – as well as ideas on how the performative aspects could be improved and how to make it more interactive – so consider that as you observe.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.

After the class:

Please contact Richard after the class to arrange a chat to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email richard.garner@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Marina Junqueira Santiago is a Senior Lecturer in the Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences. View Marina’s profile.

About the class:
MEDI2004 Pharmacology Fundamentals is a 2hour tutorial delivered on campus. Students work together (in person) to apply knowledge and develop a better understanding of the content. The last 3 weeks are TBL. Tutorials in this unit are well received by students so it may be a good opportunity to develop teaching skills.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 1 observer for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Please contact Marina before attending the class. Email marina.junqueirasantiago@mq.edu.au
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the MEDI2004 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the MEDI2004 iLearn site.

During the class:

• Marina would be interested in receiving some general feedback on the class – so consider that as you observe.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.

After the class:

Please contact Marina after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email marina.junqueirasantiago@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:
Dr Prashan Karunaratne is an academic in the Department of Actuarial Studies and Business Analytics, and the Course Director of the Bachelor of Commerce, Macquarie Business School. View Prashan’s profile. Prashan was a 2021 winner of a Vice Chancellor’s Learning & Teaching Student Nominated Award and part of an FoSE Team that won a 2022 Vice Chancellor’s Educational Leader Award.

About the class:

MQBS3010 Agility and Excellence in Business is the capstone unit for the Bachelor of Commerce. Industry Guests speak once a week to the frameworks that are utilised each week and offer student insights into the word of work and employability skills. Students then apply these insights in seminars. The guest event is a panel-style interview with Q&A from the audience. For a grand finale, there are 5 industry guests lined up for the 30th October class!

You can choose to attend the face-to-face class or the online class – they are identical. If you register to observe the online class, you will be sent a calendar invitation with the Zoom link.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 5 observers for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Please contact Prashan before attending the class. Email prashan.karunaratne@mq.edu.au
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the MQBS3010 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the MQBS3010 iLearn site.

During the class:

• As an observer you are free to engage and interact in the class.
• Prashan would be interested in receiving general feedback on the class – so consider that as you observe.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.

After the class:

Please contact Prashan after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email prashan.karunaratne@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Patricia Koromvokis is a Lecturer (Teaching and Leadership) in the Department of Media, Communication, Creative Arts, Languages and Literature (MCCALL)- Faculty of Arts. View Patricia’s profile.

About the class:
MGRK1020 Modern Greek Studies 2 has a 2 hour practical class on a Monday and a 2-hour tutorial on a Thursday. It is delivered in blended mode – i.e. as an in-person class on campus with students also joining online. You can choose to observe the Monday practical class or the Thursday tutorial (or both) and join in-person or via Zoom. MGRK1020 is a small cohort (approximately 10 internal students and 3 online).

In both weekly classes, students are taught the Greek language grammatical and syntactical concepts via the textbook. They have then the opportunity to work in groups on engaging H5P activities. Online students participate live in all activities.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 2 observers for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• There is no need to contact Patricia before the class.
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the MGRK1020 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the MGRK1020 iLearn site.

During the class:

• You will be invited to introduce yourself at the start of the class in order to make the students feel more comfortable.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Patricia would be interested in receiving some feedback. See below.

I have been an observer to other units and it has been a very creative experience. I think that getting feedback from other colleagues will help me to realise what the strengths of my teaching method are and in which areas I should make any changes. It would be useful for the observer to focus on the given instructions to the class, the student participation and engagement and the teaching methodology.

After the class:

Please contact Patricia after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email patricia.koromvokis@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Maggie Lee is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Actuarial Studies and Business Analytics – Macquarie Business School. View Maggie’s profile. In 2022, Read more about Maggie’s approach to teaching in this TECHE post and on page 19 of the Award booklet.

About the class:
ACST4003/8032 Actuarial Control Cycle 2 has a 3 hour in person seminar. The seminar will involve group work. There will be a guest lecturer on 14th August..

Observers have the choice of attending a seminar on MQ Wallumattagal campus, or going along to the MQ City Campus (123 Pitt Street Sydney, Room 2415).

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 1 observer for each seminar.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Please contact Maggie before the class to discuss the structure of the class. Email maggie.lee@mq.edu.au
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the ACST4003 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the ACST4003 iLearn site and read the tutorial activity for the relevant date of your observation.

During the class:

• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Maggie would be interested in receiving some general feedback on classroom management or any new innovative ideas that might be helpful – so consider that as you observe.

After the class:

Please contact Maggie after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback or ideas. Email maggie.lee@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Esther Lim is a Senior Lecturer in the Macquarie Medical School – Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences. View Esther’s profile.

About the class:
MEDI2200 Human Cell and Molecular Biology has a 1.5 hour in person weekly tutorial. The tutorial class starts with an informal poll, to allow students to gauge their understanding of the week’s content and correct any misconceptions. Students are then put into groups for a group activity.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 2 observers for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• There is no need to contact Esther before the class.
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the MEDI2200 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the MEDI2200 iLearn site and read the tutorial activity for the relevant date of your observation.

During the class:

• Please remain as a silent observer during the class.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Esther would be interested in receiving some general feedback on how the class is run – so consider that as you observe.

After the class:

Please contact Esther after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback or ideas. Email esther.lim@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Maryam Mathers is a Casual Academic (Marketing) in the Macquarie University College.

About the class:
WMKT1001 Marketing Fundamentals has a 2hr seminar on campus with a small class size. The topic will be Sustainable Marketing – there will be group activities as well as class discussion about the concept of sustainability. Examples and informative videos on the topic will be used to facilitate class discussions.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 2 observers for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Please contact Maryam prior to the class. Email maryam.mathers@mq.edu.au
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the WMKT1001 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the WMKT1001 iLearn site where you will find the lesson plan and can access the textbook chapter to read if you wish. For 22 August look at lesson W4L2 and chapter 14 of the text book.

During the class:

• It would be appreciated if you could just be a silent observer during the class.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Maryam would be interested in receiving some general feedback – so consider that as you observe.

After the class:

Please contact Maryam after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback or ideas. Email maryam.mathers@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Wanda McDermott is the Clinical Skills and Simulation Lead in the Surgical Skills Laboratory, Macquarie Medical School – Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences. In 2022, Wanda was part of a team from the Doctor of Physiotherapy program who were Highly Commended finalists for the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Learning Innovation. Read more on page 14 of the Awards booklet.

About the class:
On the 29th August and 31st August Wanda will be running a Plenary session first thing in the morning (quiz with interactive lecture style teaching). This is followed by a series of small group practical hands on workshops with simulation scenarios to consolidate learning.

Observers can register to attend a Plenary Session and one of the small group workshop/simulation sessions, or either one of them. You will get the most out of the experience by first attending the plenary lecture and then going along to one of the small group workshops. However, if you would just like to see how the immersive simulation workshop is run, then it would be fine to register for that.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 6 observers for a Plenary Session or 4 for the small group practical simulation workshop.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Please contact Wanda prior to the class for access and resources. Email wanda.mcdermott@mq.edu.au
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet

During the class:

• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Wanda would be interested in receiving some general feedback – so consider that as you observe.

After the class:

Please contact Wanda after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback or ideas. Email wanda.mcdermott@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Harry Melkonian is an Academic Casual in the Macquarie Law School, Faculty of Arts. View Harry’s profile.

About the class:
LAWS5057 Conflict of Laws has a 1 hour in person weekly tutorial. Apart from the first few weeks, the students will be undertaking group projects that include problem solving during the class.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 4 observers for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• There is no need to contact Harry before the class.
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the LAWS5057 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the LAWS5057 iLearn site.

During the class:

• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Harry would be interested in receiving some general feedback on the class or suggestions about student engagement – so consider that as you observe.

After the class:

Harry has to rush off to another class immediately after this class so is not available to chat at that point. Instead, please email Harry to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email harry.melkonian@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Dr Ehsan Milani is an academic in the Macquarie University College.

About the class:

The WART1000 Humanities and the World class is a 2 hour lecture/tutorial.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum number of 2 observers for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the WART1000 Unit Guide
• View the WART1000 iLearn site

During the class:

• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Ehsan is interested in receiving general feedback – so please consider that as you observe the class.

After the class:

Please contact Ehsan after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback or ideas. Email ehsan.milani@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Jasna Novak Milic is an academic in the Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Language and Literature, Faculty of Arts. View Jasna’s profile. See also this TECHE post in which Jasna talks about her teaching: Spotlight on practice: Zooming in on strategies to teach in the classroom and online simultaneously and this post in which Jasna shares what’s in her toolkit for teaching a blendsync class.

About the class:

CROA1020 Croatian Studies 2 is a two-hour tutorial/practical class run in HyFlex mode, that is, in-person with some students joining online, and others opting for asynchronous option.

The unit is designed for those with little or no previous knowledge of Croatian. The unit includes material on general cultural aspects of life in Croatia and provides a thorough grounding in the basic structures of the language, working towards Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level A2.

The class is delivered in a blended synchronous mode with a zoom-in-class (‘double zooming’) and with unit content presented as interactive H5P slides.

As an observer you could join the class on campus or online via Zoom; or both, on different occasions, to experience different delivery modes.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum number of 2 observers for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the CROA1020 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the CROA1020 iLearn site.

During the class:

• You can expect to be asked to briefly introduce yourself. You can participate in class if you want to but are not expected to.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Jasna is interested to learn how observers experience HyFlex learning and the interactive content that is available to students so please consider that as you observe the class.

After the class:

At the end of the class, Jasna would appreciate some verbal or written feedback, especially in regard to HyFlex with zoom-in-room delivery and use of interactive H5P and other interactive elements. Stay after the end of the class or email Jasna (jasna.novakmilic@mq.edu.au)

About the teacher:

Sue Ollerhead is a Senior Lecturer in the Macquarie School of Education, Faculty of Arts. View Susan’s profile.

About the class:
EDST8238 Professional Practice 2: Literacy and Numeracy for Diverse Learners is a 2 hour seminar class delivered on campus. This class is focused on teaching in the context of multilingual classrooms.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 2 observers for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Please contact Sue prior to attending the class. Email susan.ollerhead@mq.edu.au
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the EDST8238 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the EDST8238 iLearn site.

During the class:

• As an observer, you will be asked to briefly introduce yourself to the class.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Sue would appreciate some general feedback and your thoughts on student participation and engagement.

After the class:

Please contact Sue after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback or ideas. Email susan.ollerhead@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

David Orsmond is a Professor in the Department of Economics, Macquarie Business School. View David’s profile. In 2022, he won a Vice Chancellor’s Student Nominated Award for his teaching. Read more about David’s teaching in this TECHE post.

About the class:
ECON1021 Principles of Economics 2 is delivered as a 1 hour flipped ‘lectorial’ on campus where students collectively answer questions based on the recorded material.

Observation opportunities available:
There is no limit to the number of observers for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• There is no need to contact David prior to attending the class.
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the ECON1021 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the ECON1021 iLearn site.

During the class:

• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.

After the class:

Please contact David after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback or ideas. Email david.orsmond@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Josephine Paparo is a Senior Lecturer in Developmental Psychology in the School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences. View Jo’s profile. See also this TECHE post in which Jo shares here tips for managing a large teaching team.

About the class:
PSYU2235 Developmental Psychology has a 2 hour in person weekly lecture. In this unit with over 1300 enrolled students, lectures are presented live on campus to students enrolled in the in-person offering, and live-streamed through Echo360 to students enrolled in both the online-internal and OUA-external (Open Universities Australia) offerings. Real-time monitoring of the Echo360 Q&A forum is offered to students attending remotely.

Observation opportunities available:
There is no limit to the number of observers for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Please contact Jo prior to attending the class – it will be helpful for Jo to understand what observers are hoping to gain by observing the class and to discuss any aspect/s of teaching Jo would like feedback or ideas on.
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the PSYU2235 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the PSYU2235 iLearn site.

During the class:

• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.

Jo would be interested in receiving some general feedback on the following:

1. general feedback
2. innovative ideas for ways to make the class which is very much a standard lecture format more engaging
3. as this is a content heavy unit, effectiveness of teaching delivery with diverse learners in mind.

After the class:

Please contact Jo after the class to discuss feedback and ideas for future teaching practice inspired by the observation for both the observee and observer. Email josephine.paparo@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Sarah Powell is a Senior Lecturer in the Macquarie School of Education, Faculty of Arts. View Sarah’s profile. Read more about Sarah in this Spotlight on Practice TECHE post.

About the class:
ECHE1310 The Arts in Children’s Lives has a 2 hour weekly practical class. This is a first year unit which simply engages students in singing, dancing and playing instruments in order to have fun, develop confidence, and have a positive experience of their own skills and creativity. The 1-3pm class is a repeat of the 10am-12 noon class.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 2 observers for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Please contact Sarah prior to observing the class.
• Sarah is very happy for you to get involved in the class as if you were a student but this is not essential – you can just watch if you prefer.
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the ECHE1310 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the ECHE1310 iLearn site.

During the class:

• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Sarah is interested in receiving any general feedback.

After the class:

There is no need to contact Sarah after the class (unless there is something you would like to discuss).

About the teacher:

Sarah Powell is a Senior Lecturer in the Macquarie School of Education, Faculty of Arts. View Sarah’s profile. Read more about Sarah in this Spotlight on Practice TECHE post.

About the class:
EDST8209 Teaching the Arts has a 2 hour weekly practical class. This unit is part of the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) and Master of Teaching (Primary).

This is a practical class where we sing, dance, play. My aim is to give students opportunities to experience their own creativity and capacity for music and dance and subsequently, translating this to their own teaching practice.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 2 observers for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Please contact Sarah prior to observing the class.
• Sarah is very happy for you to get involved in the class as if you were a student but this is not essential – you can just watch if you prefer.
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the EDST8209 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the EDST8209 iLearn site.

During the class:

• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Sarah is interested in receiving any general feedback.

After the class:

There is no need to contact Sarah after the class (unless there is something you would like to discuss).

About the teacher:

Michael Proctor is an Associate Professor in the Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences. View Mike’s profile.

About the class:
SPHL2216 Speech Acoustics has a 2 hour weekly seminar with some students joining online through ECHO360.

In this unit we study speech acoustics through readings, multimedia resources, lectures, and practical laboratory exercises. We will look at how the vocal tract produces and shapes speech sounds, and study the acoustic properties of consonants and vowels.

Delivery is flipped: readings, lectures and core learning materials are posted at the beginning of each week. Workshops are held mid-week, and Friday seminars are offered in a Q&A format with quizzes and other exercises to consolidate key ideas and techniques. The 2-hour Friday seminars are run in blended mode: in-person, with some students joining online. It is preferred that observers join the class in person.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 2 observers for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Michael will contact you prior to attending the class (he will receive an email once you book so he will know you are coming).
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the SPHL2216 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the SPHL2216 iLearn site.

During the class:

• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Mike is interested in receiving feedback on any aspects of teaching materials, teaching approach, class organization, pedagogy and student engagement.

After the class:

Please contact Mike after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback or ideas. Email michael.proctor@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Charanya Ramakrishnan is a Lecturer in Computing, School of Computing, in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. In 2022 she won a Vice Chancellor’s Student Nominated Award. This award recognises teachers who have been nominated by students for teaching excellence and making a difference to learning. See page 28 of this booklet for more information about Charanya’s approach to teaching.

About the class:
COMP1000 Introduction to Programming is 2 hour lecture delivered in person on campus with some students watching via Echo360 live lecture. In this class there will be live Programming along with the use of props and visual aids to explain complex concepts. The observer will learn to see how to handle large audience groups and have an interactive & fun learning session.

Observation opportunities available:
There is no limit to the number of observers for each class.

The observation experience

If you would like to join the lecture via Echo360, you will find the link in the iLearn site.

Before the class:

• There is no need to contact Charanya prior to observing the class.
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the COMP1000 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the COMP1000 iLearn site.

During the class:

• Come in with an open mind as this is an introductory unit.
• Please be a silent observer during the class.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Charanya would like to receive any suggestions for helping the students to learn better as well as feedback on your experience and observations about understanding concepts without any prior knowledge.

After the class:

Charanya would be like to meet with you afterwards to reflect on your experience of observing the class, to discuss teaching practices and to provide any feedback. Email charanya.ramakrishnan@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Charanya Ramakrishnan is a Lecturer in Computing, School of Computing, in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. In 2022 she won a Vice Chancellor’s Student Nominated Award. This award recognises teachers who have been nominated by students for teaching excellence and making a difference to learning. See page 28 of this booklet for more information about Charanya’s approach to teaching.

About the class:
COMP1350 Introduction to Database Design and Management is 2 hour lecture delivered in person on campus with some students watching via Echo360 live lecture. This class will involve design and live coding. The observer will learn to see how to handle large audience groups and have an interactive & fun learning session.

Observation opportunities available:
There is no limit to the number of observers for each class.

The observation experience

If you would like to join the lecture via Echo360, you will find the link in the iLearn site.

Before the class:

• There is no need to contact Charanya prior to observing the class.
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the COMP1350 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the COMP1350 iLearn site.

During the class:

• Come in with an open mind as this is an introductory unit.
• Please be a silent observer during the class.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Charanya would like to receive any suggestions for helping the students to learn better as well as feedback on your experience and observations about understanding concepts without any prior knowledge.

After the class:

Charanya would be like to meet with you afterwards to reflect on your experience of observing the class, to discuss teaching practices and to provide any feedback. Email charanya.ramakrishnan@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Dr Hedieh Ranjbartabar is an academic in Macquarie University College.

About the class:
WCOM1350 Introduction to Database Design and Management is 2 hour seminar delivered in person on campus and involves both presenting interactive lecture and engaging students in interactive activities. The group activities are productive. Following this session, students will attend a practical class in the lab.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 2 observers for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Please contact Hedieh prior to observing the class.
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the WCOM1350 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the WCOM1350 iLearn site.

During the class:

• Come in with an open mind as this is an introductory unit.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Hedieh would be interested in receiving some general feedback on the class as well as feedback on student participation and engagement and active learning – so please consider that as you observe the class.

After the class:

Please contact Hedieh after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email hedieh.ranjbartabar@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Anina Rich is a Professor in the School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences. View Anina’s profile. In 2022, Anina won a Vice Chancellor’s Student Nominated Award for her teaching. Read more about her teaching.

About the class:
COGS2040 Attention has a 2 hour in person weekly lecture. Anina uses the Active Learning Platform for quizzes during the lecture and within-lecture discussions (‘buzz groups’) to engage the students actively in their learning.

Observation opportunities available:
There is no limit to the number of observers for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Please contact Anina prior to attending the class – just to let her know you are attending. Email: anina.rich@mq.edu.au
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the COGS2040 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the COGS2040 iLearn site.

During the class:

• You will be introduced as a visitor and you can engage in the activities if you want to.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Anina is interested in receiving general feedback on the class.

After the class:

Anina would be available for a quick chat directly after the lecture to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Or you can email anina.rich@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Peter Roger is an Associate Professor in the Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences. View Peter’s profile.

About the class:
APPL8250 Second Language Acquisition has a 2 hour weekly seminar which is taught simultaneously on Zoom and on campus, so there is a mixture of online and in-person students. As an observer, you can choose to attend the class in person or join online. A calendar invitation with the the Zoom link will be sent to you once you register.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 4 observers for the class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Please contact Peter prior to attending the class – just to let him know you are attending. Email: peter.roger@mq.edu.au
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the APPL8250 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the APPL8250 iLearn site to get a feel for the class and students.

During the class:

• You will be introduced to the students as a visitor. You are welcome to interact with the students if you would like to.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Peter is interested in receiving general feedback on the class.

After the class:

Please contact Peter after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback or ideas. Email peter.roger@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:
Dr Jennifer Ruskin is an academic in the Department of Management, Macquarie Business School. View Jennifer’s profile.

About the class:
PROF1000 Introduction to Professional Practice is a 3-hour seminar delivered on campus.

PROF1000 is a flipped classroom environment with interactive seminars. This interdisciplinary unit is designed to give students a first-year foundation for engaging with WIL (Work Integrated Learning) and other opportunities to explore potential career paths throughout their studies.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 2 observers for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Please get in touch with Jennifer if you’re planning to observe. Email jennifer.ruskin@mq.edu.au
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• View the PROF1000 iLearn site
• Read the PROF1000 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.

During the class:

• Please plan to introduce yourself and engage with students.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• As the current student enrolment is bigger than prior offerings, Jennifer would appreciate feedback on adaptations for larger student cohorts.

After the class:

Please contact Jennifer after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback or ideas. Email jennifer.ruskin@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:
Wayne Warburton is an Associate Professor in the School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences. View Wayne’s profile.

About the class:
PSYU3399 Psychological Science: Putting Theory into Practice is a 1-hour lecture delivered on campus.

This is the Capstone and PACE unit for the Bachelor of Psychology. Lectures focus on (a) developing an integrated understanding of psychology – putting together what has been learned in the psychology sub-disciplines into a more holistic understanding of the whole person within their social context, as it relates to a specific social issue (such as aggressive behaviour, driving behaviour or media use etc.), and (b) preparing students for what comes later. This includes pathways into professions and further study, professional standards and ethics, laws that govern the profession, self care and working with colleagues.

Observation opportunities available:
There is no limit to the number of observers for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the PSYU3399 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the PSYU3399 iLearn site
• The lecture schedule is in the iLearn unit – choose the lecture that will most interest you. Each lecture has readings which you may choose to read.

During the class:

• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.

After the class:

If you would like to contact Wayne after the class, please email wayne.warburton@mq.edu.au

Below are comments from previous participants with advice and suggestions for how to get the most out of the observation experience:

• Be prepared to look from 2 perspectives – as an educator and as a student.
• Show you are interested – ask questions or make suggestions.
• Provide feedback (if feedback is asked for) on both areas of achievement and areas for growth.
• Consider observing classes outside your discipline.
• Preparation really helps – look at the iLearn unit, unit guide, and reflection sheet.
• During the session: watch the students’ reactions, participation… what is their experience?​
  After the session: what was the high point for you? How was their style different from yours? What could you do differently?

Yes, indeed. We’d like to encourage observers to look outside their own faculty. You don’t need to be familiar with the subject matter in order to observe the class. It’s all about observing different approaches to learning and teaching.

The ‘Open for Observation’ program can also be used within the department/faculty/school for peer review and to promote collegial conversations about teaching.

Please register first. There are a limited number of places available for each class time based on what the teacher has advised is manageable for them and their class, so as not to cause unnecessary disruption to the class. Please only attend a class that you have registered for. Bookings are open up until close of business the day prior to the class (unless fully booked out).

If you are not able to attend a class that you have registered for, please contact professional.learning@mq.edu.au and we will cancel your booking and make the space available for someone else to book.

The reflection prompts are for you to use during your observation to help you to think about and reflect on the experience to get the most out of it. These prompts are suggestions only, and how you use them is up to you. You could consider sharing some of your reflections with the observee!

As a courtesy to the teacher and the students, and so as not to disrupt the class, it is recommended that you stay for the duration of the class. If there is an urgent reason why you need to leave, just politely advise the teacher.

However, there are some 3-hour classes where the teacher has specifically advised that it would be perfectly acceptable to leave before the end of the class. This has been indicated in the class information where this applies.

Please respect the wishes of the teacher about how much contact they would like, and when. We have checked with all the teachers, and have provided information about their preferences under each teacher’s name in the descriptions above. The booking system will automatically let them know who is attending their class. Please note that some teachers have indicated that they would like you to contact them before the class, perhaps to provide information about what to expect in the class.

Please be mindful that teaching staff are often tied up immediately at the end of a class with speaking to students, or they may need to rush off to another class.

When you register for a class, you will receive a booking confirmation email. If the class is online, the Zoom link will be included in that email.

These teachers have volunteered to open up their classes to allow you to have a unique insight into their teaching practices, so you can get ideas and reflect on your own teaching. Some staff have indicated that they would like to receive feedback on a specific aspect of their teaching, or if they are trying something new. Please be guided by their preferences, as outlined above, for each teacher and please take care to provide feedback only when requested.

Consider sharing some of your reflections with the observee teacher and if you enjoyed the observation experience, let them know!

When you register for a class, you will receive a booking confirmation email. If the class is online, the Zoom link will be included in that email.

These teachers have volunteered to open up their classes to allow you to have a unique insight into their teaching practices, so you can get ideas and reflect on your own teaching. Some staff have indicated that they would like to receive feedback on a specific aspect of their teaching, or if they are trying something new. Please be guided by their preferences, as outlined above, for each teacher and please take care to provide feedback only when requested.

Consider sharing some of your reflections with the observee teacher and if you enjoyed the observation experience, let them know!