Skip to Main Content
You are now in the main content area

Open Doors Program

The Open Doors Program invites faculty to voluntarily open their classrooms to colleagues interested in observing their peer's teaching approaches and instructional strategies. This peer-to-peer initiative fosters a culture of openness, reflection, and continuous learning by creating opportunities for faculty to connect, share, and grow together through classroom observation.

An observer sits at the back of a class, with a lecturer pictured speaking in the background of the image.

I want to observe another class

If you are interested in observing a class, please review the guidelines below and the  (google sheet) Open Doors Program - List of Courses (external link) :

  1. Reach out to the Instructor: From the  (google sheet) List of Courses (external link) , email the instructor of  the class you’d like to visit. Let them know you’re interested in attending and confirm the date, time, and format (in-person or online).
  2. Prepare for the Visit: If the visit is in-person, plan to arrive a few minutes early so you can briefly introduce yourself to the instructor before class begins. If you need to leave early, please try to do so during a class break to minimize disruption. If the visit is online, confirm the time to log on and ask if there’s anything you should know in advance. Join the session quietly and keep your camera and microphone off unless otherwise noted.
  3. Be an Observer: Your role is to simply watch and learn. Please don’t participate in class activities or discussions unless the instructor invites you to do so.
  4. 4.    Follow-Up Respectfully (If You’d Like): Some instructors may be open to a quick conversation after class, but many are busy with other commitments. If you’d like to thank them or ask a question, it may be best to follow up with a short email.
  5. Remember the Purpose: The faculty member has generously opened their class to you. This is an opportunity to observe, not to evaluate or offer suggestions. Please only provide feedback if the faculty member requests.
  6. Enjoy the Experience! We hope you find the visit inspiring and insightful! Thank you for helping build a culture of collegiality and shared learning at TMU.
 (google sheet)  Review the list of courses to observe  (external link) 
A lecturer sits on a desk while speaking to a class, with an observer show at the front of the room.

I want to open my class to observers

If you are interested in opening your class to observers, please complete the Open Doors Program Registration Form (external link) . Once completed, your class will be shown in the  (google sheet) Open Doors Program - List of Courses (external link) , viewable by TMU instructors.

 (google form)  Register to open your class to observers  (external link) 

Contact Details

Please email jackydeng@torontomu.ca with any questions or concerns.