Initiative – Local Peer Observation of Teaching

Local peer observation of teaching provides a framework for formative and summative

At the 2015 summer RTA conference in Pullman, Washington, this working group was tasked with generating a useful and workable system of local (AKA institutional) peer review/observation. The primary goal of this entire process is to enhance teaching.

Our group developed:

  1. Two straightforward instruments designed to facilitate the peer observation process
  2. A set of guiding principles, or best practices, to facilitate the implementation of local peer observation

Emphasis is placed on “observation/reflection” rather than “evaluation” of teaching. We have attempted to navigate the narrow passage between a useful, expedient system of peer observation and yet another unsolicited mandate on faculty time and creativity.

The two instruments we created include one for didactic lectures, laboratories and discussions, and the other for clinical and small group teaching. These instruments are comprised of three subcomponents focused on a pre-observation meeting, the actual observation of teaching itself, followed by a post-observation discussion. The instruments are designed to be both formative and summative, assisting the development of instructors and providing a focused overview of their teaching acumen.

We developed best practices to guide the implementation of local peer observation. We recognize that adopting a local peer observation process is institution-specific. What works for one institution will not necessarily work as well at a different school.

Local Peer Observations Instruments:

Best Practices

Implementation of local peer observation of teaching best practices

Peer Observation Forms for Classrooms

For didactic lectures, laboratories, and discussions

Peer Observation Forms for Clinical

For clinical and small group teaching

PURPOSE:  The RTA’s Educator’s Promotion Packet guidelines and format are intended to (a) to provide an evidence-based dossier template for faculty with significant teaching and/or educational leadership responsibilities, so that (b) promotion packets might be more fairly and rigorously reviewed – including, ideally, by qualified external reviewers.  The format represents an evidence-based approach, and has been modified from the AAMC Toolbox for Medical Educators

No Committee Records Selected

Local Peer Observation Initiative Members:

  • Co-Chair: Elena Gorman (OSU)
  • Co-Chair: Diana Hassel (CSU)
  • Steering Committee Liaison: Christiane Löhr (OSU)

Local Representatives:

CSU

  • Lora Ballweber

UCD

  • Bill Vernau

Western U

  • Maria Fahie
  • Malika Kachani

OSU

  • Elena Gorman
  • Christiane Löhr

WSU

  • Gary Haldorson