Peer Observation Guidelines
Purpose1
Formative peer observation of teaching, which involves a frank and open review of teaching for the sole
purpose of fostering improvement, is an effective tool for faculty development. “The goal of the peer
observation process is to improve teaching and student learning and should serve as a tool for
mentoring. The peer observation process should foster a culture of teaching excellence through collegial
dialogue. Thus, the outcome of the faculty peer observation process should be a reflective summary
describing any steps taken or changes made towards the enhancement of teaching and improvement of
student learning.”
Peer Observation Protocol2
1. The faculty member to be observed will:
a. Select a peer observer from approved list of trained observers.
b. Select a date that is mutually agreeable to both parties.
c. Review the observation form to ensure understanding of items to be observed.
d. Hold a pre-observation meeting with the peer observer to discuss the specific aspects of
teaching which are to be appraised. Items to be discussed include:
i. the class to be observed, a brief background on the nature of the class explaining the mode
of delivery, i.e. lecture, laboratory, small group, clinical, online, etc., the level of experience
of the students, and any contextual information needed to assist the peer observer; the
learning objectives of the teaching session;
ii. specific aspects of the teaching to be observed;
iii. ground rules by which the peer review will be conducted.
2. The observation takes place as per the agreed teaching aspects from the pre-observation
meeting.
3. The peer observer will:
a. be familiar with the specific aspects of teaching which are to be observed, in order that the
written appraisal can focus on these areas;
b. observe what is actually happening in order to avoid bias of personal teaching style or other
subjectivity intruding upon the process at this stage;
c. collect general information through note taking, video, audio tape or other agreed means,
focusing on specifics which can be used to provide evidence of the outcomes.
4. The observed faculty member will:
a. hold a Post Meet with the peer observer to discuss the outcomes of the observation prior to
the observer making a report.
5. The observer develops a Peer Observer Report which is a written report of the observations
based upon the agreed aspects of teaching which were to be observed.
a. The report should:
i. be given in a constructive manner;
ii. aim to heighten the faculty member’s awareness of strengths and of areas which could
be enhanced;
iii. have specific statements supported with evidence from the teaching context in order to
increase the validity of the report;
School of Health Professions
Peer Observation Guidelines
11/6/2014
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
iv. include suggestions and/or potential resources for improving teaching effectiveness, if
applicable;
v. be kept confidential.
The observed faculty member will develop a Faculty Member Report (i.e, a reflective narrative)
which will be included in their promotion and/or tenure folder.
a. The faculty member report will include:
i. Name and signature of Faculty Member
ii. Name and signature of Peer Observer
iii. Name and course number of observed class
iv. Date of any pre-observation meeting
v. Date of observation
vi. Date of any post-observation meeting
vii. A narrative written by the Faculty Member describing what the Faculty Member has
learned from the peer observation process and any plans for improvement or
development.
The Faculty Member Report will be provided to the department chair or unit head or equivalent
(or to the dean in the event the faculty member being observed is the department chair) no
later than the last day of classes for the semester in which the observation takes place.
If going for promotion or tenure, the report will be placed in the faculty member’s APT folder.
The department chair, unit head, or equivalent, or dean will file the report with the Faculty
Member’s record.
(Optional) The faculty member may share the report with the peer observer.
Timeline
Timeline
Action
Responsible Party
At New Faculty Orientation
Provide Faculty Member with
school guidelines.
Faculty member undergoes
peer observation
Identify Peer Observer and
provide name of Observer to
chair.
Pre-Observation meeting
Observation date set
Peer observation
Post-observation meeting
Department chair or unit head
or equivalent
Faculty Member
Once per year
During the first two weeks of
the semester to be observed
No later than four weeks before
planned observation
Midway through semester.
Within one week of
observation.
No later than last day of class.
1
2
Faculty Member Report
provided to chair.
Faculty Member
Faculty Member and Peer
Observer.
Peer Observer
Faculty Member and Peer
Observer
Faculty Member
Reference: University of Texas Model Policy Faculty Peer Observation of Teaching Fall 2014
Adapted from Jarzabkowski P, Bone Z. A 'How-To' Guide and Checklist for Peer Appraisal of
Teaching. IETI 35, 1: 177 – 182
School of Health Professions
Peer Observation Guidelines
11/6/2014
School of Health Professions
Peer Observation Guidelines
11/6/2014