Peer Observation Partnerships in Higher Education

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By 
Maureen Bell
Published by 
Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia
Publication year 
2012

In this Second Edition of her popular HERDSA Guide to peer observation of teaching Maureen Bell provides a comprehensive and practical guide for three different models of Peer Observation Partnerships: self-directed; guided; and coordinated. This is a practical guide with a scholarly base and is written to support colleagues working together informally for their own professional development; educational developers supporting partnerships and Deans and Heads of Department implementing faculty or departmental programs.

Over the last few years we have seen some criticisms of peer observation as a tool for compliance, too narrowly focused, and reinforcing existing or poor practice. Whether self-directed, guided or coordinated, the hallmark of a Peer Observation Partnership is that it is always developmental. By using the Peer Observation Partnership approach, the outcomes should be beneficial to all partners.

The Guide is structured in nine chapters which explain the background, relevant theoretical frameworks, provide detailed description of key processes and references. This second edition sees new material added across some of the chapters. An additional new chapter provides a framework and process for Deans and Heads of Department/School to implement faculty-based programs that was developed from a successful existing program. This supplements the popular chapter offering detailed guidance for educational developers. Extra appendices, an outline for a two hour preparatory workshop, supplement the existing proformas that have now been adapted and used extensively in universities.

Price $45.00