UNIVERSITY QUALITY OFFICE
Peer Observation of Teaching
(Version 1 00 - Jul 07)
Guidance for heads of departments and deans on
implementing the new code of practice
Senate (Jun 07) has approved a new code of practice setting out the University’s
framework for conducting peer observation of teaching. This comes into effect from
24 Sep 07.
The following document provides a short summary of the code and gives guidance to
heads of departments and deans on their responsibilities under the code.
The code of practice (and one annexe) is available at:
http://www.hull.ac.uk/policyregister/qualityhandbook/section_c_index.html.
Heads of Departments
Action required
Timescale
Explanatory note
1.
Implement a scheme for peer
observation reflecting the principles set
out in para 6 of the code, including a pro
forma for recording each observation
(para 7)
Semester 1 of
07/08
2.
Obtain Faculty Quality Committee (or
equivalent) approval (para 7)
Semester 1 of
07/08

The dean is responsible for
determining which committee and
the precise timescale
3.
Establish a pool of observers, to receive
appropriate staff development (see
below) (para 9)
Semester 1 of
07/08

SDT is responsible for facilitating
staff development opportunities for
observers

Para 9 explains the requirements for
identifying and allocating observers

‘must ensure the allocation’ (para 9)
– included by Senate to make clear
that heads of departments can
delegate the day to day
management of the scheme

FLTAC should determine how best
to disseminate examples either
within or outwith the faculty

If the issue is not resolved the
observee must be offered a further
4.
Allocate observers to conduct
observations (paras 9-10)
(thereafter
before start of
academic
session)
Semester 1 of
07/08
(thereafter
before start of
academic
session)
5.
Forward examples of good practice
identified during observations to the
FLTAC (para 16)
Following each
observation
6.
Discuss staff development needs with
observee as required (para 17)
Following each
observation
7.
Where concerns identified during an
observation discuss further action with
Following each
observation
Peer Observation of Teaching
UQO Guidance on Implementing the code of practice
Version 1 00 – Sep 07
1
observer and observee (paras. 18- 19)
8.
Establish mechanism for reporting to the
faculty human resources representative:

The names of the observer and
observee

The date and time of the observation

The type of teaching activity observed
observation
As
part
scheme
of

HR is responsible for conducting
diversity monitoring

Deans will also use this information
to report to Quality and Standards
Committee via the Faculty QER
Deans
Action required
Timescale
1.
Ensure HoDs are aware which faculty
committee will approve schemes and on
what timescale
Semester 1 of
07/08
2.
Provide an annual report (as an annexe
to the faculty QER) to QSC including
data on:
First report due
Jan
2009
(reporting on
07/08)




Take up of the scheme
Number of sessions classed as
unsatisfactory
Examples of innovatory or other good
practice
Recommendations for improvement
of the scheme
Explanatory note

Designed to enable QSC to take an
overview of the scheme across the
University and, if appropriate, conduct
a review based on feedback
Staff Development Team
Action required
1.
Provide staff development opportunities
for observers (para. 8)
Timescale
Explanatory note
Semester 1 of
07/08
Human Resources
Action required
1.
Undertake appropriate diversity
monitoring using information provided by
HoDs
Peer Observation of Teaching
UQO Guidance on Implementing the code of practice
Version 1 00 – Sep 07
Timescale
Explanatory note
Annually
2
SUMMARY OF THE CODE OF PRACTICE
The code is designed to enable the (further) development of peer observation schemes which
reflect the individual requirements of departments, the extent and nature of the teaching being
delivered, but which accord with a number of agreed common principles. Schemes should be
designed so that they promote the identification and sharing of good practice, the
identification and meeting of staff development needs, and allow the exceptional case of
unsatisfactory teaching to be addressed in a supportive manner. The fundamental principle of
the code is that the view of an observer during one teaching observation is not a ‘definitive
judgement of the quality of an individual’s teaching’ (para 6).
Faculties are responsible for the initial oversight of the departmental schemes including
through approving those schemes, providing means through which to disseminate good
practice and through annual reporting on the take up of the schemes. HR is responsible for
diversity monitoring.
FEEDBACK ON THIS DOCUMENT
This document is designed to assist heads of departments and deans in implementing the
requirements of the code of practice by making those requirements more accessible.
Feedback is welcomed at any time and should be sent to: Tim Burton, University Quality
Office (6894, t.p.burton@hull.ac.uk).
This document is available in alternative formats from
the University Quality Office
Copies to:
Deans and Heads of departments (via HoDs’ Bulletin)
Faculty Quality Administrators
Partner Institutions (for information)
Staff Development Team
Human Resources
Vice President (Academic Representation) [for information]
Peer Observation of Teaching
UQO Guidance on Implementing the code of practice
Version 1 00 – Sep 07
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