Engaging Classrooms Observation

What is Engaging Classrooms Observation? 

The Engaging Classrooms Observation (ECO) was developed and validated to describe active learning observed in your classes. The instrument is distributed mid-semester and is used by you to improve your teaching. The data is confidential and will only be shared with you to use as a tool for improvement. However, should you want to share your results with others, you are welcome to. 

Student Version

If you would like to examine your students’ perceptions of active learning in your face-to-face class, share the following Qualtrics link with your students. Again, we suggest sending the link mid-semester so you can use the results as formative feedback. Once administered and your students have had time to respond, email Chase Young at chaseyoung@shsu.edu, and he will send you a confidential report.

Preview the Instrument ECO Review Version

The Online Student Version

If you would like to examine your students’ perceptions of active learning in your online course, the process is the same. Share the following Qualtrics link with your students around mid-semester so you can use the results as formative feedback. Once administered and your students have had time to respond, email Chase Young at chaseyoung@shsu.edu, and he will send you a confidential report.

Preview the Instrument ECO-O Review Version

Is there a version for peer-review?

If you would like to use the Engaging Classrooms Observations for the purpose of peer review, distribute the student version of ECO, get the results from Chase Young, set up a time to meet with a colleague, discuss the results, and collaborate on possible adjustments in the future.

Can I be video recorded?

Our QEP media team records one class period and then, with the Engaging Classrooms Observation, your recordings are coded. This produces a personalized baseline of active learning in your classroom by trained ECO coders. We encourage you to submit a recording request at least a month in advance before any deadlines you may be accommodating.

To request a recording, please fill out the following form.

What are the benefits?

Faculty can establish a personalized baseline of their teaching style and practices once their class is recorded and coded. After a baseline is provided, our Associate Director for Assessment sends your results. Our Associate Director can also work with faculty to set pedagogical goals and direct them to the appropriate training offered through the Engaging Classrooms QEP.

If you have any questions, please send us an email at tlc@shsu.edu. 

Due to a high volume of requests, please allow up to one month for recording to be scheduled.