Class Observations

We regret to inform you that we are no longer able to process class observation requests for the Spring Semester. Due to concerns around the novel coronavirus, Harvard University has made the decision to transition to virtual instruction for graduate and undergraduate classes.  The decision to move to virtual instruction was not made lightly. The goal of these changes is to minimize the need to gather in large groups in close proximity with others. Due to technical security requirements, we cannot facilitate visitors for online classes. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding regarding this matter.

Observing a class is a great way to get a feel for what it would be like to be a student at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. While HGSE professors have varied teaching styles and pedagogies they employ, and there is a wide range of class topics and sizes, the opportunity to sit in on an individual class session can help concretize the academic student experience at our school.

If you are going to be visiting the HGSE campus and would like to request a class observation, please follow the instructions below.

• Review the list of classes open to observers. Note that classes not listed on the PDF are NOT AVAILABLE to observe. Please be aware of the day of the week the class meets and that it coincides with your visit days.
• Some courses are modules that meet for only half of the semester (or less). These courses have a start and end date. If no end and start date is listed, these are semester-long courses.
• Course descriptions can be read in the course catalogue.
• Please complete the class observations request form, including your top three choices. Requests received at least one week in advance of the desired class visit will receive priority. Be aware that these requests must first be confirmed with the faculty members by the Admission Office. It can take up to one week for us to respond to your request. We are unable to process requests with less than 3 business days’ notice. 
• In order to accommodate the high volume of requests we receive, we will do our best to facilitate a maximum of two class observations per semester for each individual (if you are interested in observing two classes, please indicate this in the "Additional comments" section).
• While observations are available for request throughout the semester, please note that we might not respond to confirm your observation until closer to your requested visit date. If your requested date is less than a week away and you have not heard from us, please feel free to email us at gseadmissions@harvard.edu.

Class observations begin on Monday, February 24, 2020, and are available through Friday, April 10, 2020 Please note that classes will not be in session March 14-22 for spring recess.
 
Visitors to class are instructed to arrive 5 minutes early and introduce themselves to the professor. Please note also that visits are strictly for observation and guests are expected to stay for the duration of the class session.

If you would like course recommendations based on your intellectual and professional interests, feel free to contact the Program Administrator.