Peer Observation of Teaching

The College's Quality Assurance/Enhancement Code of Practice 2009/10 notes that Departments should be active in monitoring the quality and effectiveness of the teaching and learning strategies for providing students with good learning opportunities to support achievement of the intended learning outcomes and academic standards [e.g. range and appropriateness of teaching and learning methods employed including use of innovative/new technologies; quality of learning materials provided; student workloads].

The quality of teaching and learning should be maintained and enhanced through a variety of means, which should include inter alia systematic peer review of teaching and training for this.

All Departments should therefore operate a system of peer observation of teaching and the College's Teaching and Quality Enhancement Committee recommends that use is made of the suggested peer observation template developed using QAA guidance and existing practice at the College.  It is recommended that all new staff should be observed as soon as possible following their appointment, and that all established and Sessional staff should be observed on a regular basis, (see procedure document for details).

Use should also be made of the following guidance and procedures for conducting classroom visits for Sessional staff.  This can be used to observe Sessional staff or may be contextualised, as appropriate, for permanent, established staff.

Peer observation is designed to encourage positive and constructive feedback, to identify areas of good practice as well as possible areas for consideration/development. It should offer a valuable form of support, reassurance and guidance, where appropriate, to new lecturers as well as allowing for an engaging discussion of learning and teaching practices amongst both new and established staff.

Class Visits for Sessional Staff

Class Visiting is a Quality Assurance and Enhancement process designed to offer peer-observation to all Sessional staff teaching a Birkbeck.  Please take a look at the following documents, which show how the process is administered:

Procedure for Class Visits to Sessional Staff

GURU Class Visit System Guide (semi-automated system to greatly simplify the logging and creation / distribution of class visit materials)

Documents for Class Visitors

Guidelines for Class Visitors  Some advice and guidance ahead of a class visit.

Class Visit Report Template  Basic template to be downloaded and filled in with the class visit report.

Fee Claim Form  To be completed and returned alongside the completed visit report.

Documents for Tutors

Voluntary Self-Assessment Form  Allows the class tutor to give their perspective on receiving a class visit.