CCEDIR is a protocol to support teaching effectiveness through instructor reflection. It advances the Faculty Senate Approved goal of 'Self-Reflection'.

Instructions for Accessing and Using the CCEDIR Application

This observation tool is specifically designed for the Eberly College of Science. However, the tool was created so that it could be adopted by other units within the university. If you would like to explore this app, please contact our office.

  1. Request access to the application:
    • If it is for an individual, send an email to the Grove Center.
    • If it is for an instructional team, compile a list of Penn State User IDs (not email addresses) for all members of your instructional team who need access to the tool. Send this list via email to the Grove Center.
  1. Using the application:
    • Log in to the CCEDIR app using your Penn State User ID.
    • Pre-observation setup: Meet with your observer to discuss your course goals and focus areas for the observation.
    • Observation: During your class session, your observer will use the app to capture data on various activities and interactions.
    • Post-observation: After the class, you will receive the observation data in a .csv file.
  1. Uploading data:
    • Upload the .csv file: In the “CCEDIR Visualization ribbon, select “Upload data.”
    • an image showing the selection of the 'upload data' tab.
    • You will see a prompt to upload the spreadsheet you received by email. Below the ribbon, click the “Browse…” button. A new window opens your file explorer. Navigate to the observation file that you received via email, select the file, and click “Open.” The file will load.
    • an image showing the selection of the file browser.
    • View visualizations: Once the upload is complete, return to the CCEDIR Visualization ribbon, and click the “Visualization” tab to view your results.
    • an image showing the selection of the 'Visualizations' tab.
    • Refresh browser for new data: To clear your results and upload a new file, simply refresh your browser.

What do the Data Visualizations look like?

An example graph showing classroom observation data.
Class Observation
Identify the activity taking place in the class being observed.
Data Privacy
Your data is private and is only for reflection and growth. It is not shared or used for evaluating performance.

Support and Contact

Jackie Bortiatynski - Director, The Grove Center for Excellence in Science Education, Teaching Professor, Department of Chemistry
“Self-reflection is a critical part of personal growth. In teaching, it is extremely difficult to step back after leading a learning experience and reflection on your performance. CCEDIR is a protocol that will provide instructors with that snapshot of execution of their pedagogical approaches and actions taken by the students in that moment. This data can be invaluable in providing insight for fine tuning of pedagogical approaches and goals for teaching professional development.”

Jackie Bortiatynski - Director, The Grove Center for Excellence in Science Education

Teaching Professor, Department of Chemistry