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Four Stages of Peer Observation of Teaching
The Peer Observation of Teaching process has four stages: the preliminary meeting, the observation session, the debriefing meeting and the documentation submission. While peer observation may take place between instructors within a particular division, colleagues may also practice inter-divisional observations. The observer and the observed agree on a time and place to conduct the process.
- The preliminary meeting involves a discussion between the observer and the observed to select the observational forms to be used. They will also determine any particular focus of the observation session.
Teams may also choose to conduct the preliminary meeting and the debrief session in the online environment. Teams will be provided a space to conduct these sessions that is accessible only to the team and the instructor of record. No other participants enrolled in the course will have access to these discussions. Detailed observation sheets and comments are confidential.
- The observation itself involves the observer positioning him or herself in an appropriate part of the teaching space, observing and making notes about the various interactions between the instructor and the students with a focus on those things identified in the preliminary meeting. After the observation, instructors will complete the self- reflections on both their experiences as an observer and observed instructor in preparation for the debriefing.
- The debriefing involves a discussion between the team members about their observations and reflections. At some point the observer may wish to make suggestions for improvement. Post-observation is usually the most beneficial part of the peer observation process, requiring professional tact and sensitivity by both parties. Some tips for handling the debriefing meeting are provided to teams.
- Documentation is the final stage of the process. Records of peer observation will be uploaded to the online course and maintained by the Office of Faculty Development. By uploading the following documents, you will confirm that the observation has taken place and feedback has been given.
Any other detailed documents of the observations will remain with the observed colleague unless he or she explicitly agrees to share the records.
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