Top 10 Tips for Peer Review
Top tips for a beneficial peer review of teaching
- Recognise the benefits. Determine to make the most of the
opportunity this confidential exchange provides both
colleagues for a professional dialogue about teaching practice. - Be organised. Make early contact with your peer review
partner. - Identify a focus. When preparing to be reviewed, carefully
consider which aspects of the session you would particularly like
to discuss. - Be prepared. As the reviewer, take the opportunity to consider
the context of the session you will be reviewing (e.g. have a look
at the module site, review the assignment brief or assessment
diet, or look at some feedback samples) - Plan to meet. Before the session, agree where and when you
will meet afterwards for discussion. This should take place as
soon as possible so everything is fresh in your minds. - Choose your spot. If it is a session observation, think about
where you want your reviewer to sit so they can observe your
activities as well as the responses of the students. - Communicate to the class. As the reviewee, consider how you
will introduce the reviewer to the class. It is beneficial for
students to understand that peer review is a key part of our
professional development and an important aspect of quality
enhancement within the University. - Discuss, don’t judge. As the reviewer, try not to make
judgemental comments, notice what happens rather than your
interpretation of it. Try to ask searching questions to prompt
discussion eg “You chose to do X at one point, why was that?
Can you explain what you were hoping to achieve by Y?” “How
does Z link to other aspects of the module?” “In what way do you
hope your online materials support student learning?” - Be open minded. As a reviewee try not to be defensive but see
this discussion as a chance for you both to advance your
understanding and skills. - Disseminate good practice. As well as completing the official
feedback form (PRF3) consider how you can share what you
have learned informally within your school e.g. at a lunchtime
seminar or group discussion with colleagues.