PEER OBSERVATION OF TEACHING: A POWERFUL TOOL IN REFLECTIVE PRACTICE

Abstract

Effective teaching in Higher Education (HE) demands a continuous reflection on one’s practice, drawing from analyses and critical evaluation of pedagogical approaches in order to consider how these could be improved for better learning outcomes. However, for an already overworked teacher, this luxury of time needed to critically reflect on one’s own practice often is not available. Due to the constraints of release time and insufficient funding, in-service training programs that are essential for continuous development in teacher training are also becoming rare. Teaching is an isolated profession where one does not always have the privilege to observe fellow teachers in action. Teachers are often too reluctant to seek support due to the fear of being judged. In this context, Peer Observation of Teaching (POT) provides a cost and time-effective yet powerful tool for improving teaching and learning in education and enhancing collegial relationships. A three-month cycle of Peer Observation involves two to three colleagues who dedicate time to observing each other in live sessions, reflecting on strengths and areas for improvement, providing constructive feedback, and agreeing on targets while offering support where needed. Peer observation of instruction is aimed at being supportive of the process of raising the standards of instruction in educational institutes. There is growing evidence that the act of observing is a mutually beneficial experience for the observer as well as the teacher being observed. For this research study, the PoT process was carried out in peer pairs of two cycles, involving two teachers. The outcome of the process was very encouraging and had a positive impact on the quality of teaching and learning. This study proposes creating a six-month cycle of Peer Observation involving colleagues from the same and other departments. It is recommended that the Peer Observation process becomes an integral part of reflective teaching practice to ensure and sustain high standards in education.