Your opportunity to observe teaching [and teachers] in action

About the teacher:

Dr Karol Binkowski is a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering. Read about Karol’s approach to engaging students in the lecture with peer instruction in this Teche post. View Karol’s profile.

About the class:

STAT1170 Introductory Statistics is a 1-hour interactive live lecture delivered on campus at Macquarie Theatre. Karol integrates Mazur’s (1997) Peer Instruction method (also known as Mazur’s sequence). Students engage in multiple-choice questions, vote anonymously via MS Forms with QR codes, discuss in small groups, revote, and then discuss solutions. Questions focus on concepts over procedures, aiming for memorable in-class engagement. This is a large enrolment service unit and students are typically from non-statistical backgrounds.

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

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the STAT1170 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the STAT1170 iLearn site.
• Read about the ‘Peer Instruction’ method for engaging students that Karol will implement during the class.
• There is no need to contact Karol before attending the lecture as the booking system will let him know you are going along.

During the class:

• As an observer you may engage in peer discussions with student if you wish.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Karol is interested in receiving some general feedback on the class, the flow of the lecture and types of questions used – so think about that as you observe.

After the class:

Please contact Karol after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email karol.binkowski@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Dr Guillaume Boglioni Beaulieu is a Lecturer in the Department of Actuarial Studies and Business Analytics, Macquarie Business School.

About the class:

ACST3060 Quantitative Methods for Risk Analysis is a quantitative/mathematical unit which has a 2 hour lecture held on campus. It is a fairly traditional lecture, but with mini-breaks in which students work on small problems to maintain engagement. Please see the table below for the topics to be covered each week in the open for observation classes.

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

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the ACST3060 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the ACST3060 iLearn site.
• There is no need to contact Guillaume before attending the class as the booking system will let him know you are going along unless you would like more information about the class or access to the class materials before attending – in which case, please email g.boglioni@mq.edu.au

During the class:

• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Guillaume is interested in receiving some general feedback on the class and in particular your thoughts on:
  • whether giving students time in class to work on problems is working well or not (should there be more or less of that approach)
  • ideas on how to deliver “dry and technical” material

After the class:

Please contact Guillaume after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. He would usually be free to talk directly after the lecture or you can email to arrange a time: Email g.boglioni@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Billy Bruce is a Sessional Teaching Academic in the Department of Management, Macquarie Business School.

About the class:

Billy is an online teaching expert – an experienced tutor that specialises in teaching using Zoom. Observe one of these classes if you want to learn how to connect with students online.

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

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the MGMT1011 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the MGMT1011 iLearn site.
• Please contact Billy before attending the class to obtain the Zoom link. Email billy.bruce@mq.edu.au

During the class:

• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• You are invited to actively participate in the online class if you wish.
• Billy is interested in receiving some general feedback on the class.

After the class:

Please contact Billy after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email billy.bruce@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Carol Cooke is a Lecturer in the Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences.

About the class:

Choose one of these unique observation experiences:

1. Tutorial or practical session (or both) – Wednesday 11 September:
   A tutorial on taking an Obstetric and Gynecological History followed by practical session on clinical skills needed in the clinical environment. This week’s class is an introduction to Obstetrics & Gynecology where students will be provided with knowledge on how to take a patient history that pertains to O&G and learn skills needed in the hospital to examine the pregnant woman and her baby. Students may be examined on and complete work based assessments on these skills. The aim is to introduce unique clinical skills, and very focused medical history taking skills, whilst ensuring good group dynamics. Observers can choose to attend the tutorial from 8-10 or the practical session from 10-12, or go along to both.
   
2. Lecture or simulation (or both) – Wednesday 2 October:
   A lecture followed by a real-life simulation of a post partum haemorrhage where students manage the obstetric emergency. There will be an actress and medical staff (and a mannequin) in attendance. In this class students will utilise their knowledge and apply it in a simulated situation, demonstrating teamwork in an emergency. They also have make observations about the bleeding and estimate blood loss as a breakout room. Students receive feedback after the sim. Observers can choose to attend the lecture from 8-10 or the simulation session from 10-12, or go along to both.

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

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the MEDI8313 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the MEDI8313 iLearn site. For the 11 September class, please view Week 1 content. For the 2 October class, please view week 4 content.
• Please contact Carol prior to attending the class. Email carol.cooke@mq.edu.au
• Note: Observers will need to be buzzed in to the ground floor of 2 Talavera Rd so you will need to contact Carol beforehand.

During the class:

• Carol will introduce you as a visitor.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Carol is interested in receiving some general feedback on the class as well as ideas about modes of delivery and areas to improve upon. For the 2 October class, Carol would appreciate fresh eyes on how to give feedback to students and how to get students to engage and perform in an emergency situation.

After the class:

Please contact Carol after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email carol.cooke@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Dr Lurion De Mello is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Applied Finance, Macquarie Business School. View Lurion’s pofile. Lurion was a finalist in the 2020 Vice Chancellor’s Learning and Teaching awards. To find out more about Lurion’s teaching practice read this ‘ask us anything’ Teche post and view a short recording from a presentation on Stepping out with industry-relevant skills: designing course-based assessments using real-world data from the 2023 Educating for Success forum.

About the class:
AFIN8037 is an introductory level postgraduate class covering financial instruments and markets. In simple terms we look at banking, non-banking, stock markets, debt markets and derivative instruments. I am teaching this unit for the first time and introducing some certifications and also getting students up to speed on using Gen AI for good, including making it part of their assignment. Although the class runs for 3 hours, observers don’t necessarily need to stay for the full 3 hours – you can stay for the first 1.5 hours and leave after that if you wish.

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

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Contact Lurion prior to the class. Email: lurion.demello@mq.edu.au
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the AFIN8037 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the AFIN8037 iLearn site and have to look at the topic being covered and some details of the in class activities.

During the class:

• Ideally observers should be there at the start of class – or at the latest by 9.30am.
• You will be asked to briefly introduce yourself to the class as an observer.
• You are welcome to get involved in the class (optional).
• If you are outside the discipline please do ask questions as it will be a challenge for Lurion to help you understand.
• Lurion would be interested in receiving any general feedback about 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 Lurion to set up a time to chat over coffee (or cake or ice cream!) to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email lurion.demello@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Dr Lurion De Mello is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Applied Finance, Macquarie Business School. View Lurion’s pofile. Lurion was a finalist in the 2020 Vice Chancellor’s Learning and Teaching awards. To find out more about Lurion’s teaching practice read this ‘ask us anything’ Teche post and view a short recording from a presentation on Stepping out with industry-relevant skills: designing course-based assessments using real-world data from the 2023 Educating for Success forum.

About the class:
MQBS8000 is the capstone subject for the Master of Commerce degree. Topics are around sustainability, strategic thinking, stakeholder management, employability etc. Topics and discussion in class in geared towards completing simulations around change management and a group project that addresses how a particular business (private or public) can improve on 2-3 core UNSDGs. MQBS8000 has students from different majors, including students from engineering management and exchange students. Although the class runs for 3 hours, observers don’t necessarily need to stay for the full 3 hours – you can stay for the first 1.5 hours and leave after that if you wish.

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

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Contact Lurion prior to the class. Email: lurion.demello@mq.edu.au
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the MQBS8000 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the MQBS8000 iLearn site and have to look at the topic being covered and some details of the in class activities.

During the class:

• Ideally observers should be there at the start of class – or at the latest by 9.30am.
• You will be asked to briefly introduce yourself to the class as an observer.
• You are welcome to get involved in the class (optional).
• Lurion would be interested in receiving any general feedback about 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 Lurion to set up a time to chat over coffee (or cake or ice cream!) to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email lurion.demello@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Irina Dedova is a Senior Lecturer, and Discipline Lead for Anatomy, in the Department of Chiropractic, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences. View Irina’s profile. Read more about Irina’s teaching practice in these Teche posts: From overwhelm to engagement: Using creativity and AI in dense subjects and Showcasing award-winning teaching: Irina Dedova.

About the class:

This is a 2-hour anatomy lab. Note that there is human postmortem tissue used in these labs. Observers do not necessarily need to stay for the full 2 hours.

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

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Observers will be required to complete a 15 minute lab induction prior to attending the class. This can be done F2F immediately before the lab.
• Please contact Irina before the class by email: irina.dedova@mq.edu.au
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the ANAT1002 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the ANAT1002 iLearn site.

During the class:

• You will be provided with a disposable lab coat for wearing during the class.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Irina is interested in receiving some general feedback on the class structure and activities so consider that as you observe the class.

After the class:

Please contact Irina after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email irina.dedova@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Dr Rex di Bona is a lecturer in the School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering. View Rex’s profile.

About the class:

This is a 4-hour practical project based learning class for Engineering students in which students are involved in creating a physical artefact. There are over 500 students in the unit. Although the class runs for 4 hours, observers are not required to stay for the duration. Note that the location of the class is 44 Waterloo Road which is approximately 10 mins from the main MQ campus.

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

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the ENGG2000 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the ENGG2000 iLearn site.
• You may find it helpful to read this quick overview of the engineering process prior to attending the class.
• There is no need to contact Rex before attending the class as the booking system will let him know you are going along.

During the class:

• Closed toe shoes are required throughout the building and safety glasses are required in the workshop.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Rex is interested in receiving some general feedback on the class and any ideas for improved delivery so consider that as you observe the class.

After the class:

You can chat to Rex during the visit or email him after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email rex.dibona@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Dr Eoin Doyle is a lecturer in the Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences. View Eoin’s profile.

About the class:

These interactive tutorials involve some group and class discussion, tutor-led examples of techniques with opportunities for questions and hands-on student practice. See table below for the specific topics for each week.

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

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the PHTY8102 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the PHTY8102 iLearn site.
• Please contact Eoin by email before the class to arrange a quick chat and so he can share the tutorial notes in advance. Email eoin.doyle@mq.edu.au

During the class:

• You will be introduced as a visitor. You can interact with the students if you wish (optional).
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Eoin is interested in receiving some general feedback on student engagement, classroom management, managing large tutorial groups and balancing the combination of tutor-led (demonstrations) vs student-led (practice).

After the class:

Please contact Eoin after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. This could be a chat at the end of the class or later via Zoom. Email eoin.doyle@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Salman Jalalifar is an Associate Lecturer (Teaching and Leadership) in the School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering.

About the class:

The class begins by reviewing questions students attempted beforehand. Next, the teaching team will guide students through in-class practice questions, facilitating group activities and discussions at each table. These activities are completed on McGraw-Hill Connect, which is integrated into the iLearn system. At the end of the workshop, students take a quiz that encourages communication and collaborative problem-solving to arrive at the correct answer. This range of activities is designed to foster communication, discussion, and peer-assisted learning, while also allowing students to learn from their mistakes through multiple attempts.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 2 observers for each class. Booking links coming soon – please check back shortly.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Please email Salman before the class: salman.jalalifar@mq.edu.au
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the MECH1001 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the MECH1001 iLearn site.

During the class:

• Please observe without engaging directly with students. This will help maintain the normal flow of the class.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Salman would be interested in receiving general feedback about the overall teaching approach, including classroom management, the clarity of the instructions, and the dynamics of group work activities. He would love to hear any ideas or suggestions for improving delivery modes, lesson structure and student engagement as well as facilitating active learning – so consider that as you observe the class.

After the class:

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

About the teacher:

Dr 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:

This class is designed for group work and active learning. Technology varies, but there are many activities using resources from iLearn, such as H5P.
Observers may be interested in different ways to engage students. For example:

• Game-based learning: Week 4, 5, and 12.
• Gamification: weeks 6 and 7
• Team-based learning (TBL): Week 12

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 MEDI2004 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the MEDI2004 iLearn site.
• Please contact Marina by email before the class to let her know you are coming and if you have any particular areas of interest. Email marina.junqueirasantiago@mq.edu.au

During the class:

• You will be introduced as a visitor.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Marina is interested in receiving some general feedback on 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. Marina is keen to have a chat and get some written 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. View Prashan’s video presentation from the Educating for Success forum in 2023 titled ‘Enhancing Employability Skills via Course-Based Assessments for Learning in a Capstone Unit‘.

About the class:
MQBS1030 Decision Making for Business is a 1.5-hour lecture delivered on campus. This is a new cross-disciplinary unit of Economics and Business Analytics.

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

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Please email Prashan before attending the class prashan.karanuratne@mq.edu.au
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the MQBS1030 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the MQBS1030 iLearn site.

During the class:

• Feel free to interact and take part in the class.
• Prashan would be interested in receiving some constructive 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 (or have a coffee/tea catch up) to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email prashan.karunaratne@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. View Prashan’s video presentation from the Educating for Success forum in 2023 titled ‘Enhancing Employability Skills via Course-Based Assessments for Learning in a Capstone Unit‘.

About the class:
MQBS3010 Agility and Excellence in Business is a 1-hour lecture delivered on campus on Monday mornings and then repeated online on Monday evenings. The lecture is run in a format where the Unit Convenor activates the learning outcomes by prompting a panel of industry partners to showcase their experience and expertise, via a Q&A style panel interview. If you register for the online class, the Zoom link will be sent to you with the calendar invitation.

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

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Please email Prashan before attending the class prashan.karanuratne@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:

• Feel free to interact and take part in the class.
• Prashan would be interested in receiving some constructive 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 (or have a coffee/tea catch up) to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email prashan.karunaratne@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. View Prashan’s video presentation from the Educating for Success forum in 2023 titled ‘Enhancing Employability Skills via Course-Based Assessments for Learning in a Capstone Unit‘.

About the class:
SAT1250 Business Statistics and Insights is a 1.5-hour lecture delivered on campus. This is a refreshed version of the unit – now a cross-faculty unit between MQBS and FSE.

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

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Please email Prashan before attending the class prashan.karanuratne@mq.edu.au
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the STAT1250 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the STAT1250 iLearn site.

During the class:

• Feel free to interact and take part in the class.
• Prashan would be interested in receiving some constructive 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 (or have a coffee/tea catch up) to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email prashan.karunaratne@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Dr Harry Melkonian is a Sessional Teaching Academic in the Macquarie Law School, Faculty of Arts. View Harry’s profile.

About the class:

Students will be working on a practical project to design and produce a submission on legislation that will be given to the Attorney General. This will be a workshop style class.

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

The observation experience

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.
• There is no need to contact Harry prior to attending the class as the booking system will notify him.

During the class:

• You will be introduced as a visitor.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Harry is interested in receiving some general feedback on the class.

After the class:

Please contact Harry after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email harry.melkonian@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Dr Umut Ozguc is a lecturer in the Macquarie School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts. View Umut’s profile.

About the class:

This is a 2-hour interactive lecture.

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

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the POIR8310 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the POIR8310 iLearn site.
• There is no need to contact Umut prior to attending the class as the booking system will notify her.

During the class:

• Please do not engage in the discussions or answer the questions.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Umut is interested in receiving some general feedback on the class.

After the class:

Please contact Umut after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email umut.ozguc@mq.edu.au

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:

Students in this unit study speech acoustics through readings, multimedia resources, lectures, and practical laboratory exercises. They 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.

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

The observation experience

Before the class:

• 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.
• Please contact convenor prior to attending the class. Mike will provide access to the iLearn site so that observers can access learning materials and understand the unit and delivery structure. Email michael.proctor@mq.edu.au

During the class:

• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Mike is interested in receiving some general feedback any aspect of the unit and pedagogy.

After the class:

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

About the teacher:

Charanya Ramakrishnan is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computing, Faculty of Science. Read about her teaching practice in Mastering the art of unit convening: preparing for a successful start of session (Teche).

In 2022 Charanya 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. Charanya is also the recipient of a 2023 AAUT Award (Australian Awards for University Teaching) citation for outstanding contribution to student learning.

About the class:

In this 2 hour class Charanya will be using Unplugged coding activities (teaching programming by using props) before showing students how to code.

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

The observation experience

Before 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.
• There is no need to contact Charanya prior to attending the class as the booking system will notify her.

During the class:

• Please do not interact with the students during the class.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Charanya is interested in receiving some general feedback on the class.

After the class:

Please contact Charanya after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class 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 covers fundamental concepts of database design and management, including relational databases, database modeling, normalisation and SQL. Observers will witness an engaging, interactive learning environment where students not only learn theoretical aspects of database design but also apply their knowledge in practical scenarios.

Observation opportunities available:
There is 1 observation opportunity for each class. Booking links coming soon – please check back shortly.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• There is no need to contact Hedieh prior to attending the class as the booking system will notify her that you are going along unless you would like more information about the class prior to attending – in which case email hedieh.ranjbartabar@mq.edu.au
• 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:

• Please introduce yourself to the class as an observer and feel free to interact with the students if you wish.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Hedieh would like to receive general feedback on the class – so 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, to discuss teaching practices and to provide any feedback. Email hedieh.ranjbartabar@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:

MQBS2010 is designed to be inclusive and offer an embedded Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experience that all students can use as a foundation for developing employability. See the topics covered in each lecture and workshop in the table below

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 3 observers for each workshop or 10 for the lecture.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the MQBS2010 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students and to understand the students’ foundation for the embedded WIL activity.
• View the MQBS2010 iLearn site.
• There is no need to contact Jennifer prior to attending the class as the booking system will notify her.

During the class:

• Observers are welcome to be active participants during the class (optional).
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Jennifer is interested in receiving some general feedback on the class especially on what is working or what could be improved to strengthen the students’ experience of a simulated internship – so consider that as you observe the class.

After the class:

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

About the teacher:

Dr Natasha Todorov is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences. View Natasha’s profile. I 2023 Natasha won the Vice Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award.

Read these Teche posts on Natasha’s teaching practice: Applying UDL principles to the design of a very large unit and The power of asking students “do you know what you don’t know?”

About the class:

This class is the “second half” of a flipped series of lectures on professional ethics for psychologists. Students have been listening to lectures and engaging in activities which have (hopefully) been teaching them about the APS Code of Ethics. In this F2F seminar students will form small groups to discuss ethical dilemmas and then as a large group try and determine what might be the best way to approach the situation. The aim is to encourage active learning and provide a factual foundation for the seminars in this series.

Observation opportunities available:
There is a maximum of 6 observers for the class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the PSYH4499 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the PSYH4499 iLearn site and have a look at the week 3-5 lecture booklets on the unit so you are aware of how students receive the information for this topic.

During the class:

• You will be not be introduced as a visitor as Natasha’s preference is that the class dynamics remain organic. If you would like to join in to large group discussion you are welcome but the main aim of this class is for the students to learn about ethics, not to discuss teaching skills.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Natasha is interested in receiving some general feedback on the class and in particular any observations that could help to improve the lecture or booklet presentation and the running of the seminars.

After the class:

Please contact Natasha after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Immediately after the class would be a good time to chat – otherwise email Natasha to arrange a time. natasha.todorov@mq.edu.au

About the teacher:

Eva Tzschaschel is an Associate Lecturer in the School of Psychological Sciences (and Co-Course Director for the Bachelor of Psychology OUA), Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences.

Read about Eva’s approach to teaching in these Teche posts:

• Surely they can write? Tackling literacy decline one scoop at a time
• The power of asking students ‘Do you know what you don’t know?

About the class:

This is a first-year psychology tutorial class utilising a flipped classroom model. In week 7, they will pilot a new tutorial that incorporates a case study discussion.

Observation opportunities available:
There is only 1 observation opportunity for each class.

The observation experience

Before the class:

• Please contact Eva prior to attending the class to obtain access to the content for the class.
• Download the observation Reflection Sheet
• Read the PSYU1102 Unit Guide to get a feel for the class and the students.
• View the PSYU1102 iLearn site.

During the class:

• You will be introduced as a visitor.
• Consider the prompts on the Reflection Sheet as you observe the class.
• Eva would like to receive general feedback on the tutorial class – so consider that as you observe the class.

After the class:

Please contact Eva after the class to reflect on your experience of observing the class and to provide any feedback. Email eva.tzschaschel@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!