Glossary: Alternative models for peer observation
Peer Triads
Department is divided into groups of threes; all staff in the department attends a staff development session on observation of teaching; each member of the group observes the other two members of the group and provides individual feedback; they meet as a group to identify general/common issues; one member from each group represents his/her group's views with other group reps; overall report is distilled from comments and discussion of the reps and discussed/agreed in whole department meeting,
Pairs with external sampling
Staff are grouped according to subject interest and then divided into pairs. Each member of a pair observes the other member and an external observer samples across the group. The group meets with the external observer to agree common issues which are forwarded to the department.
Internal panel
A group of selected staff within the department receive staff development on observation of teaching; each member of the internal panel observes a selection of staff (and is observed him/herself) and provides individual feedback; the panel agree general issues and write report.
Mix of internal and external panel
As above, except that the panel includes some observers from out side the department; these may be drawn from educational development unit if there is one or from external peers. For example an internal panel may carry out observations of staff within the department and are themselves observed by the external(s). 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.