11 Key Characteristics
Effective peer observations of teaching are characterized by several key characteristics:
- Trust and Confidentiality: The observation process should prioritize confidentiality, creating a safe environment for open dialogue and feedback between peers.
- Clear Guidelines and Goals: Clear guidelines and goals for observation focus areas, feedback format, and a plan for completing the observation process can help ensure consistency and alignment with the goals and objectives identified by the instructor.
- Feedback and Reflection: Feedback should be constructive, reflective, and focused on actionable (and changeable) areas for improvement in teaching practice. Both observers and instructors should engage in reflective dialogue to deepen understanding, share experiences, and promote mutual growth.
- An Emphasis on Student Learning: Effective observations focus on the interplay between the instructor and students in the classroom, noting student reactions and responses to various pedagogical approaches. Gathering anonymous student feedback during the observation can often be a valuable addition to strengthen the teaching observation process (Buskit et al., 2014).
Research on peer observations of teaching have found the most effective, ethical, and beneficial models are those defined by the following features:
- Promotes reciprocal learning
- Recognises the professional autonomy of all participants
- Is based on dialogue and conversations between colleagues
- Is non-judgemental
- Focuses on developing professional practice
- Incorporates curiosity, inquiry, and reflection (Gosling 2014, p. 10)