Peer observation and review of teaching (PORT)
What is Peer Observation?
Peer observation of teaching is a mechanism whereby our peers can observe and comment on some functional or qualitative aspect of the teaching we undertake and the learning we promote for the benefit of student learning. All staff should be committed to maintaining and enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. Peer observation of teaching provides a structured framework for the ongoing improvement of teaching and learning practices through peer collaboration, discussion and the dissemination of ideas and good practice. In this sense, observation is a very valuable tool for both the observed and the observer as it is about the sharing of excellence and the promotion of a greater sense of collegiality and good practice. Peer observation is about the promotion of collegial working practices, the dissemination of good practice, the development of the individual, quality enhancement, and improving the quality of student learning. The process operates in the spirit of impartiality, professionalism, and peer support with the aim of enhancing practice for both the observer and the observed and therefore the learning experience of students. The scheme should support staff to:
- develop self-awareness;
- reflect on their practice;
- enhance their awareness of the student learning experience;
- recognise and identify good practice in others;
- identify further professional development needs;
- identify and promote good practice and innovation in teaching and learning;
- deepen understanding of the work of colleagues in and across teams;
- provide evidence of quality teaching practise for promotion applications, professional development recognition and the like.
Peer observation is conducted with mutual trust and respect and any detailed documents should remain with the observed unless the observed colleague gives their explicit agreement that the records may be shared. However, it makes obvious sense to adopt a system that might afford both individual development and provide evidence for future subject or quality reviews, audits and the like. Individuals may wish to utilise their written records in appraisal, when applying for promotion or seeking membership of a professional body, or as some other part of their continuing professional development. It is recommended that some record of peer observation is retained by the Division or Department. At a minimum this will be a log of who was observed, by whom and when. Ideally this information will also include a summary of good practice as observed and any other issues related to the promotion of good learning and teaching. Detailed observation sheets and comments are confidential. Identified areas of good practice or other issues will only be disseminated with the permission of the observed.
Peer observation is not a review or an appraisal. It is about looking at our practice as a continual process of improvement which might be thought of as being informed by our selves, our peers, our students, and the literature. The main purpose of this document is to set out a method for peer observation and to provide the prompts, criteria and recording sheets that may be of use in the peer observation process.
What are the benefits for staff?
- Improved quality of student learning
- Increased the sense of collaboration and enhanced trust through allowing colleagues to observe and comment upon each others teaching
- Increased awareness of what material colleagues are covering
- Provides good ideas from practice
- Encourages discussion and dissemination of good practice
- Allows staff to address practical issues such as suitability of facilities
- Helps to maintain and enhance a quality learning experience
Project: Peer Observation (PORT) in the Faculty of Law and Management
In Semester One 2009, we introduced a peer observation program, implemented across all Schools in the Faculty. Directors of Teaching and Learning and the Faculty's academic development team work with unit conveners and teaching staff to support the introduction, including workshops and consultations for all those involved.
PORT manual
Download the PORT manual [PDF 441KB]
Further information
For further information about and support for PORT, contact the Director for Teaching and learning in your School:
Jeff Barnes (School of Law)
Geoffrey Durden (Graduate School of Management)
John Griffiths (Regional School of Business)
Lynne Leveson (School of Management)
Suzanne Salmon (School of Accounting)
John Shannon (School of Economics and Finance)