Studies highlight the value of peer teaching observation as helping develop the teaching and learning process, making teaching visible, and improving the quality of teaching and student experiences.
In its collaborative approach, peer observation may also contribute to strong departmental teaching climates and cultures (Smith, 2013). Peer observation is beneficial to our culture of teaching excellence in several ways. First, peer observation helps all instructors develop best practice in teaching. Second, peer observation enables us to collaborate with and learn from colleagues. Third, the peer observation process helps to ensure that good teaching is recognized.
The Department of Advertising and Public Relations is piloting a Peer Teaching Observation process starting Fall 2022. The faculty decided that an observation would be done every two years for one course. The instructor selects the trained observer, and the evaluation notes do not go to the chair. The School of Journalism has adopted the program on a voluntary basis.
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The process includes a Pre-Observation meeting (discuss the particular class, review the syllabus, etc.), the Observation, and a Post-Observation meeting. Here is ADVPR's Protocol.
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