Peer Observation Scheme

What is the Peer Observation Scheme and why do we need one?

Bangor University needs to reflect best teaching and learning practice set out by the QAA Quality Code for Higher Education (Chapter B3) and the UK Professional Standards Framework for Teaching and Supporting Learning in Higher Education (UKPSF). Peer Observation of teaching is recognised as an excellent way of sharing good practice in line with these standards and of identifying areas that need support. As such, Peer Observation was introduced at Bangor in 2001.

Peer observation is a professional dialogue not a judgmental process. It is an opportunity for both observee and observer to engage with creative thinking about developing educational practice. Being able to receive feedback from a colleague in relation to teaching, and being able to reflect on the overall process, is an important tool for academic professional development.

Who is required to participate in the scheme?

Bangor’s Peer Observation Scheme is open to all staff who teach and/or support learning. It is expected that all academic staff with a teaching role will engage with the scheme once each academic year. This includes part time lecturers and professional practitioners who regularly contribute to teaching. PhD students who teach will be observed as part of their requirement to undertake School-specific training or the PgCertHE. External speakers will not be required to participate in the full scheme but module leaders should arrange for a nominated colleague to attend their sessions and provide verbal feedback.

What sort of teaching is observed and when?

This is an annual event, with staff required to have completed the process by the end of each academic year. The scheme now offers two options. It enables you either to continue the established practice of engaging each year in a pair-based observation of a taught session (Option A) and/or to engage in a collaborative enhancement of a specific area of practice (Option B). Both options invite you to engage annually in a constructive dialogue with colleagues about enhancing student learning and/or the wider student experience in your subject.
All staff are required to have undertaken Option A before undertaking Option B in any two-year period. In the first year of this new scheme (2017/18) all staff will engage in Option A in the first Semester. Option B will only be available from 2018/19.

How is the scheme managed?

The scheme will be implemented by School Directors of Teaching and Learning (DTLs) working closely with Heads of School who will designate staff to the scheme and keep a record of engagement across their School. It will be supported and monitored centrally by the Centre for Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT) in liaison with College Directors of Teaching and Learning.

For further information or guidance on how to engage with the Bangor Peer Observation Scheme, please contact your School Director of Teaching and Learning or celt@bangor.ac.uk.