What Are Triads?
Triads are groups of three instructors (usually from different
departments) who meet regularly during one academic year to focus
on teaching development through collaborative reflection, discussion,
and observation. Triads facilitate peer collaboration. To understand
more about the development of triads, please review our presentation:
TRIADS: A People's History. To read what other people think of triads, see the results of our survey.
What Do Triads Do?
Triads can do anything they decide would be useful. They generally
meet informally once or twice a month to get to know each other,
- To discuss teaching philosophy and other teaching concerns,
- To explore strategies,
- To identify areas in which they may want feedback,
- Sometimes observe each other's classes.
Cognitive Coaching is a process which may be used by triads to
facilitate reflective collaboration.
What is the Reporting Procedure?
In May, notify your chair that you participated in a triad. You
can include a summary of your activities in your annual report.
Why Should I Be in a Triad?
- Because it's a great way to network with colleagues
and develop your teaching.
- Triads are part of peer collaboration, the formative
portion of Mount Royal College's post-tenure evaluation process
(see Policies and Procedures Manual section 970-1). All tenured
instructors participate in peer collaboration every third year.
(If a tenured instructor does not wish to engage in this process,
he/she may write to his/her Dean proposing an alternate professional
development project.)
Tenure track, term certain and sessional faculty are not required
to join peer collaboration but are welcome to do so. Many instructors
join the process voluntarily because they enjoy the chance to affirm
and enhance their teaching skills and to interact with other faculty.
How do I get into a Triad?
Contact Anne Scrimger, the Faculty Development Consultant at
440-8940 or by e-mail ascrimger@mtroyal.ab.ca.
If you are in the third year of your post-tenure evaluation cycle,
your chair should contact you in March and send your name to your
Dean and to the Professional Development Coordinator by March
30. If you wish to join voluntarily, give your name to your chair
by March 30 or contact the PD Coordinator.
In August, all faculty who indicated their desire to participate
in triads will meet (usually off campus) to review the process.
Triads can be formed at this time.
