Open Classroom Weeks

Returning Spring 2026

What Is Open Classroom Weeks?

Imagine strolling into a colleague's class — not as an evaluator, but as a learner. Open Classroom Weeks is your chance to do just that. It's a campus-wide invitation to:

• Observe innovative teaching practices across disciplines
• Explore fresh strategies for engagement, assessment, or learning environment
• Spark ideas you can adapt for your own courses
• Build relationships and cross-disciplinary insight

Think of it as "teaching by osmosis" — seeing what works, asking questions, and bringing back new energy to your own classroom.

Why Gather (Not Critique)

This is not peer evaluation. The goal isn't judgment — it's growth. Each session is designed for collegial exploration, not formal review. You'll leave with:

• Real examples of how others design activities, structure discussions, integrate tech
• Insights into how to shift student participation, assessment formats, or classroom layout
• A sense of what "good teaching in action" looks like at NIU

And at the end — the networking session gives us space to reflect, share impressions, and deepen connections.

How It Works

1. Register for Sessions

A schedule of classroom observation opportunities will open in January. Choose sessions you’re curious about. (Registration closes ~24 hours before each session.)

2. Go Observe (in person or virtually)

Bring curiosity, not critique. Sit in, take notes on what stands out.

3. Reflect and Connect

Join the networking session (in-person + online) to share what you saw, ask questions, and plan next steps.

Who Can Participate?

Faculty of all types (tenure-track, full-time, adjunct, clinical), as well as SPS and civil service staff, are welcome.

You do not need to lead a classroom session to participate as an observer.

If you do lead a session, it’s a generous act of sharing your practice — you’ll be recognized as a participating “Host Faculty.”

Coming Soon: Schedule and Registration

• The detailed schedule will be posted mid-January
• Registration will open at the same time
• Confirmed session locations and links (for virtual sessions) will be distributed after registration

Sign up early to reserve a spot in the classrooms you most want to visit!

Contact and Stay Updated

Questions or ideas? Reach out to CITL: citl@niu.edu | 815-753-0595

Stay tuned: Updates and announcements will appear here, via email, and through campus newsletters.