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Step 1: Planning for peer observation of learning and teaching

A meeting in which the process is discussed with all staff is essential in order to address the concerns that staff will have and to make decisions on between some alternative strategies. Some of the issues that will need to be considered are:

• the principle of confidentiality in the feedback to individual staff;
• the separation of this process from other university processes such as those for probationary staff, for under performance or promotion, or as part of the appraisal scheme;
• the emphasis on development rather than judgement;
• the involvement of all staff with teaching responsibilities whatever their grade or status.

Alternative models for peer observation

Some alternative models that may be considered (click for an explanation):

• Peer Triads
• Pairs with external sampling
• Internal panel
• Mix of internal and external panel

When staff are formed into small groups (say triads) for the purposes of peer observation-. these groups could be:

• self-selected;
• grouped according to cognate subject groupings nominated by head of department or her/his nominee(s).

There are advantages and disadvantages of each of these methods.

Observing a variety of teaching and learning activities

(click for an explanation):

• Sampling
• Confidentiality
• Resource-based learning
• Workshop observation

Timing

• The process should be timed to occur not later than in the semester/term prior to the semester/term in which the internal Subject Review will occur.
• Set specific target date when all observations will have been completed and evaluation reports submitted.

In practice it is often preferable to identify a specific period of say two to three weeks in which the bulk of the observations will occur. This enables more systematic planning and greater sense of purpose and achievement.

Responsibility

Duties of the Head of Department or their nominee will include:

• liase with educational development unit if there is one
• organise meetings;
• ensure that the sample is adequate;
• ensure that all staff in the sample are allocated to peer groups/pairs and observed;
• act as an arbitrator if any difficulties arise;
• receive evaluation reports from the panel or groups;
• draw-up the departmental report.

Other Departmental Planning issues

• will any external observers be required in specialist areas?
• will any other peers from outside the department need to be involved?
• how will student feed-back be obtained?