PEER OBSERVATION OF TEACHING: A NEW TREND

This resource is intended to offer guidance to individuals, Research Scholars and to
Schools on how to facilitate peer observation of teaching (POT). POT is a formative process
where a colleague (or peer group) observes another individual"s teaching and offers
structured feedback on this teaching. The aim is to enhance learning through critical
reflection upon teaching practice by the person observed as well as by the peer observer, and
ultimately to enhance the quality of teaching and student learning.
At the University of Glasgow, there are some Schools and Colleges whose staff
regularly undertake POT. These include participants on the Postgraduate Certificate in
Academic Practice (PGCAP) at the Learning & Teaching Centre, and some staff in other
areas. These guidelines aim to provide clear information on POT in order for staff and
Schools within the university to decide upon whether POT is appropriate, and if so, what kind
of peer observation is most appropriate and how peer observation could be undertaken within
their own specific disciplinary contexts.