Using teaching observations to reflect upon and improve teaching practice in higher education

In order to improve teaching and learning within a faculty, an action research intervention involving peer observation of teaching staff via an expert was designed and implemented. A total of ten staff (including the first author) were observed over the year. The process consisted of observation at...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Atkinson, Douglas, Bolt, Susan
Format: Journal Article
Published: Mack Center for Inquiry on Teaching and Learning and FACET Indiana University 2010
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/47468
Description
Summary:In order to improve teaching and learning within a faculty, an action research intervention involving peer observation of teaching staff via an expert was designed and implemented. A total of ten staff (including the first author) were observed over the year. The process consisted of observation at class, a written report, discussion between teacher and observer, and a group debrief. A follow-up written questionnaire was emailed to the ten participants and the qualitative responses were analyzed. Key findings for practice were: that staff recommended the process be continued; that it remain voluntary; that an external expert be retained; that the group processes were important; and that there be ongoing follow-up.