Engaging Classroom Observation (ECO)

What is ECO?

Student observations provide instructors with valuable insights into the student learning experience. Because students participate in your course throughout the semester, they are uniquely positioned to provide meaningful feedback on instructional practices, classroom climate, engagement levels, and faculty-student interactions. Their collective observations offer a rich source of longitudinal data that can help you reflect on your teaching and identify opportunities to enhance student learning. When combined with peer observations, it can provide a robust view of your teaching practices.

The Engaging Classrooms Observation (ECO) is a practical tool designed to help you evaluate active learning in your courses. Whether you're teaching in person or online, ECO offers meaningful insights to support continuous improvement in your teaching practice.

Why use ECO?

Improve student engagement through targeted feedback.
Reflect on your teaching strategies.
Collaborate with peers for constructive dialogue and growth.

Assessment Options

Student version - in-person classes
Student version - online classes
Peer review option - available for either format and can offer more insight when combined with one of the student versions for a more robust assessment report.

How to Get Started

We have designed two student survey forms, one for online classes, and one for in-person classes. There is also a peer-review option available for either format.

Choose the appropriate ECO version for your course.
Distribute the assessment mid-semester to students, which has been shown to be most effective.
Allow time for responses, then email Chase Young at chaseyoung@shsu.edu to receive your confidential report. Dr. Young is a nationally recognized researcher, professor, and assessment professional who helps instructors interpret results and identify opportunities to enhance student learning and engagement. His assessment experience focuses on the collection, analysis and application of evidence to improve teaching and learning. A sample of his research publications is available on the Research & Assessments webpage.