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-What is Peer Observation?
Teachers learning from teachers — this is what we cal ‘Peer Observation’. It involves one teacher observing another teacher in their classroom and the aim is to develop their teaching practice. The best part is that both the observed and the observing teacher benefit from the process.
Peer observations often work best when there is a specific focus for observation identified by the teacher being observed. This could be an area they wish to explore in more detail, or a problem they want to try to solve.
-Stages of Peer Observation
There are three stages in the observation process: pre-observation, observation, and post-observation. At the end of these stages, the observed teacher receives written feedback that is both constructive and reflective, which raises awareness of their performance. Peer observation benefits the observer, too. They can learn what is possible, identifying chalenges they have in common, and reflecting on their own teaching practices after observing their peers. This learning can be transformative.
As a teacher who has experienced the peer observation process as part of our department’s CPD programme, I have learned a great deal from every stage of the process. It has not only helped me evaluate my own teaching methods, but also alowed me to learn new techniques from colleagues and think more deeply about my own practice.
Peer observation is an excellent opportunity. It is not about simply copying other peers’ styles. Lecturers should adapt and modify our techniques. Even smal changes can have a big effect on our students’ learning. Don’t hesitate to change your methods to fit your students and classroom!