Hello David,
My response to this would be to echo Pauline's concerns about what peer observation is intending to achieve. If it is a judgemental approach linked to performativity and appraisal, then unnanounced observations might be appropriate. I can't imagine that they would be popular or engender much sense of collegiality between the observer and observee. I suppose also that we might also question the definition of 'peer' in this instance as there might be a tension in seniority and subject understanding of the observer.
If, on the other hand, you wish to enhance teaching through encouraging colleagues to reflect on and engage in dialogue about their teaching practice, then peer observations need to be planned in advance and discussed afterwards and couldn't really be unannounced. To be honest, I think it is these framing conversations that hold the most value in a collegial model of peer obs. The actual peer obs event is merely a snapshot that needs to be framed in the context of many other factors including the curriculum design, environment, student feedback etc.
I am so pleased that you are airing some of these considerations as we are reintroducing/revitalising our institutional approaches to peer observation and likewise coming across these manifold tensions.
A question for you, though.... do you think there are any particular differences across disciplines in attitudes towards and compliance with peer observation of teaching?
Best wishes,
Caroline
-----Original Message-----
From: learning development in higher education network [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Dr David Hardman
Sent: 02 October 2009 13:29
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Peer observation of colleagues
On a different matter relating to peer observation, a colleague
suggested to me that we should have unannounced observations, on the
obvious basis that lecturers might put on their "best show" when they
know they are going to be observed. However, the suggestion goes counter
to all the guidance I've read about peer observation and I'd be worried
about the opposite effect, i.e. poor performance induced by the stress
of a surprise observation.
What do colleagues think?
David
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