Adaptation of a classroom observation protocol for active learning

In our work, we are focusing on the use of classroom observation to provide feedback on instructional space design. An initiative to redesign teaching space began a decade ago at a large, research-intensive institution. In September 2018, a large-scale (477 seat) active learning classroom became operational. The affordances of this space are intended to enable active teaching and learning in large classes. However, it is difficult to assess how successful this space is for active learning. A multi-year study has been undertaken to observe teaching practice in situ, with the goalof developing design principles for instructional space and technology that support the development, design, and implementation of teaching activities. Existing teaching observation protocols do not fully capture the interaction between the instructor and the space because such protocols were generally intended for other purposes. The goal is to develop a protocol that captures activities that are both intrinsic and extrinsic to teaching. This paper describes the development and use of an observation protocol. The core of the protocol is the wellknownTeaching Dimensions Observation Tool (TDOP). The scope of the TDOP is extended to active learning activities drawing from the Active Learning Classroom Observation Tool (ALCOT). The resulting extended protocol, TDOP+, was used for coding both live and recorded classroomobservations in the Winter 2020 term. This extended protocol allows the researchers to capture information that characterizes the intersection of pedagogy, space, and technology through Activity Theory. In future work, the data gathered through observations will be analyzed using theDifferentiated Overt Learning Activities (DOLA) framework, to provide insight into what types of teaching activity happens in a large-scale active learning classroom across STEM education and how active learning in large classrooms compares to pedagogy in other spaces.