Teaching is characterized by being a challenging and demanding activity. In this sense, the NDA conducts class observations with the aim of promoting and improving the pedagogical skills of teachers. Typically, one class will be observed each semester, regardless of whether it is a practical, theoretical, tutorial or laboratory class. It is the teacher who chooses the class to be observed. The Observation Grid used can be consulted here. After the observation, the teacher has an individualized meeting with the team member(s) who performed the observation, during which feedback is given on the positive aspects and potential improvements to be implemented in the classroom. Supporting documents specifically oriented to the aspects to be improved can also be provided – e.g. the  “Guiding Ideas for Learning in Higher Education” , typically teachers refer that the observation and feedback received contribute to the improvement of teaching practice.

If you want your class to be observed by the NDA, please send us an email to  nda@tecnico.ulisboa.pt, we will be happy to schedule the observation.

In the 2nd semester of 2019/20, the observations were interrupted due to the pandemic. However, in the 2020/21 school year, the NDA resumed mostly remote observations (“Observation of Online Teaching“).

The evaluation of observation activities is carried out annually and can be consulted here:

• Factsheet observations 2020/21 (PDF, 31.3KB)
• Factsheet observations  2019/20 (PDF, 26KB)

Observe and Learn

The Observing and Learning project, which began in the 2nd semester of the 2013/14 academic year, aims to stimulate teaching activity in Higher Education, promoting spaces for experimentation and support for ULisboa teachers, constituting a forum for interdisciplinary training. .

This project consists of the cross-observation of classes between teachers, covering the ULisboa Schools that wish to participate and based on a voluntary basis, in which the anonymity and confidentiality of the participants are ensured. The added value that can be obtained through this experience include the promotion of teaching practice skills, either through the feedback received by the observed, or through the pedagogical awareness of observation.

The proposed model of peer observation is based on a quartet made up of two pairs of teachers, coming from different Schools and forming working groups in which all stakeholders observe and are observed.

On the project page, led by Técnico at ULisboa, you can find information about all editions so far, including presentations made by external guests on pedagogical and classroom observation methodologies, as well as:

• The Class Observation Grid
• An Observation Support Manual
• A Guide to Observation Procedures 

You can also sign up to participate  here