Reciprocal Course Visit

An initiative supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
During fall 2011, the Serie Center will support up to 5 awards for pairs of faculty to exchange a reciprocal set of three classroom visits (i.e. 6 classes total).  After a brief summary of the exchanges has been filed, each participant will receive $150 in FTR. 

The multi-visit format of the RCV provides an avenue for meaningful, mutual exchange.  Such exchanges are expected to lead to benefits in one, or more, of the following areas for each of the participants:

  • Reflection
    Taking the seat of a student in another classroom, you observe classroom dynamics and pedagogical impacts from a novel perspective and have the opportunity to reflect on your own actions in the classroom
  • Skill development
    Watching another colleague provides a means to explore or learn a new skill (i.e. method of leading class discussion, use of new technology, approach to providing student feedback, etc.)
  • Co-teaching consideration
    Making the choice to co-teach a class requires a significant commitment of time and energy.  A RCV allows you to become better acquainted with your potential co-instructor.  This low-stakes “testing of the waters” provides insights that will aid you in course planning
  • Curricular understanding
    If you offer a course that contributes to a concentration or interdisciplinary program, an RCV allows the exploration of what and how content is being presented.  Similarly, these visits allow you to share, observe, and reflect on the types of activities that contribute to the general education requirements.
  • Collegiality
    Sharing your classroom builds connections across departments and Divisions.  The RCV encourages you to take advantage of the experience and expertise of colleagues on campus.

Eligibility:
RCV awards are open to all faculty at Macalester College, but priority will be given to individuals that have full-time, continuing contracts. 

Application process:
Complete the Word-formatted RCV Application form and submit it electronically by Monday, October 17, 2011 to Paul Overvoorde, Associate Director of the Serie Center.  This one-page form asks for information about the applicant pair and a brief rationale for the planned visits.

Click here to download the form or by request from Paul Overvoorde (ext. 6460) or Theresa Klauer, Program Assistant for the Serie Center.

Please direct questions or desires to identify colleagues with particular pedagogical expertise or experiences to Paul Overvoorde.