UCL Centre for the Advancement of Learning and Teaching (CALT)

UCL Centre for the Advancement of Learning and Teaching

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Peer Observation of Teaching

Peer observation is a means of obtaining feedback on your teaching. You ask a colleague to attend one of your teaching sessions and afterwards the two of you discuss it. Your colleague can provide feedback on what went well and suggest changes that might improve the teaching session.

A practical guide to the process of peer observation is available as a PDF file, together with some additional resources.

UCL’s policy on Peer Observation of Teaching is designed to maintain high standards of teaching through a system of self regulation and mutual support within departments.

The policy statement on Peer Observation of Teaching was approved by Quality Management and Enhancement Committee (QMEC) in September 2004, effective from 2004-05.

Additional Resources

The UCL Peer Observation Guidelines, found on the Teaching and Learning Portal, mention that observers often find a checklist useful. The sample observation form below includes such a checklist.

• Sample observation form

PLEASE NOTE: It is common practice to keep the reporting of peer observation separate from any notes taken during the session and any written feedback given to the member of staff being observed. The sample observation form therefore has two parts, one for feedback and the other for reporting and recording by the department.

The Higher Education Academy (HEA) has produced Guidelines on peer observation and provides links to a wide range of support materials and discussion documents. These include information about international policies and practices with regard to peer observation, scholarly articles and case studies.