Options for Faculty: Ways to Utilize SCOT

1. Recorder/Observer: The SCOT records in writing what went on in the classroom (e.g., chronology of classroom activities, time spent in questioning, board work, small group discussion, etc.) and gives the record to the professor.  The SCOT describes rather than evaluates.

2. Faux Student: The SCOT takes notes as if s/he was a student in the class and returns them to the professor.

3. Filmmaker: The SCOT films the class and creates a DVD for the professor. The professor may choose to invite the SCOT to watch and discuss the DVD with him/her.

4. Focus Group Facilitator/Interviewer: The professor leaves the classroom for about fifteen minutes while the SCOT interviews students about their perceptions of the class and their learning.  The SCOT interviews students (verbally and in writing) using these questions:
-What helps your learning in this class?
-What hinders your learning in this class?
-What suggestions do you have for this class?
The SCOT compiles the data into a report and discusses the results with the professor. 

5. Primed Student: The SCOT meets with the professor prior to class to receive pointers on what to specifically focus on and record (e.g., How often do certain kinds of students respond? Why aren’t the students getting involved in the discussion? Are the students asking questions among themselves? Does the professor make connections between course materials and personal application?)

6. Student Consultant: The professor asks the SCOT for evaluative feedback on classroom activities or particular issues of concern

7. Other: Classroom Research, Reflective Teaching, Action Research