Appendix H: Reflections on my Teaching Observation (Observer)
As a peer observer, you may choose to take some time to reflect on this experience, including what you learned from engaging in the teaching observation process, and how you can apply that learning to your own teaching practice and professional development.
In some cases, an observer might wish to include these activities and reflections in a summative evaluation like an annual Record of Activities (RoA) for Career Progress and Merit (CPM) and/or a teaching portfolio. In other cases, particularly when a peer is only observing and not providing feedback to a peer, this form of observational learning can be enhanced by engaging in some post-observation reflections as well.
In either circumstance, when completing your reflections as an observer, you may wish to consider the following questions:
- What did I observe during the class? What did the instructor and students do? What stood out or took me by surprise?
- How is this observation relevant to me? What makes it important? What have I learned by engaging in this process?
- How does this observation connect to my teaching practice? How can I apply what I’ve learned to my current or future teaching? Is there something I might try or change because of this observation?
- How can I continue to improve on my feedback and observation skills? Did I effectively support my colleague? What did I do well and what would I look to change about my approach as an observer in the future?
- What would l like to learn more about? What additional questions did the observation prompt or inspire?
Before including these peer observation activities and reflections in any formal evaluation, report, or portfolio, be sure to consult with your department to ensure you have permission to do so. Also ensure that you have the instructor’s permission before including the teaching observation in any formal reports.