2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Student evaluations of teaching (SETs) have traditionally been the primary method for assessing faculty teaching effectiveness in many academic institutions. However, their validity has recently been questioned. As an alternative/complementary approach, this research proposed using student observers to evaluate faculty teaching effectiveness within a STEM department at an R1 university and to provide faculty with timely feedback. Student observers include both graduate and undergraduate students who have received training in teaching observation skills. They attend classes to observe teaching practices and provide feedback on both the strengths and areas for improvement in the instructors' teaching. In this article, we will delve into the development, implementation, and challenges faced by the student observer initiative. The collected data shows highly positive feedback from both students and faculty regarding this process.