This pilot Peer Observation Program will be carried out in the spring 2023 semester. This program is designed to promote teaching development through creation of a collaborative partnership between the faculty member being observed (the Observee) and a trained Observer. Observees can choose to identify a specific area of focus for their observation or ask for a more generalized observation. For the pilot, the courses observed must be offered in the traditional classroom format (face-to-face). This program includes focused conversations between the trained Observer and Observee along with guided self-reflection activities.
This program is modeled after the Cycle of Peer Observation as discussed in O'Leary, M. (2020). Classroom observation: A guide to the effective observation of teaching and learning. As discussed in this book, this peer observation program was implemented at an English University and "survey results suggest high levels of engagement and satisfaction with the new approach, with 93% of observe respondents (strongly) agreeing with the statement, 'The observation cycle helped me reflect on my teaching and student learning.'"
We are seeking to fill 10-20 trained Observer positions to conduct 10-20 observations for their colleagues between February 13 and April 10, 2023. The trained Observer will be responsible for facilitating reflective conversations centered around a specific area of focus identified by their colleague. As the focus of this program is formative, and not summative in nature, the Observer will be tasked with asking thought-provoking questions and making factual observations (not subjection evaluations) from their classroom visit to guide their colleagues’ self-reflection on teaching practices and development.
All Observers will attend a one-day training on January 12, 2023. Trained Observers will then participate in the Peer Observation process with a fellow Observer between January 17 and February 3, 2023 - both in the role of the Observer and the Observee. Following this cycle of Peer Observation, trained Observers will be paired with a colleague who wants to be observed with these official observations taking place at some point between Feb. 13 and April 10, 2023 (at a date mutually determined by the Observer and Observee).
We are seeking 10-20 faculty who would like to have one of their classes observed by a colleague. This classroom observation will occur between the dates of Feb. 13 and April 10, 2023. This Peer Observation Program is developmentally focused (instead of evaluative) and is designed to be reflective in nature. By working closely with a trained Observer, the Observee maintains ownership over their own professional development. Observees can either choose to identify a specific area of focus for the observation or ask for a more generalized observation.
Application deadline
January 17, 2023
Tara J. Allen, Ph.D.
CAFE Fellow '22-'23 – Peer Observation Program
Teaching Professor
Division of Biological & Biomedical Systems
School of Science & Engineering
allent@umkc.edu
816.235.2568
Molly Mead, Ph.D.
Director, Instructional Support
Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence
Associate Teaching Professor
University of Missouri-Kansas City
meadmo@umkc.edu
816.235.1128
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