Peer Evaluation of Teaching

Peer evaluation is a process of collegial feedback on quality of teaching. Peer evaluation is a purposeful process of gathering information and evidence about the effectiveness of teaching processes and the educational environment with a view to subjecting it to constructive critical scrutiny. It usually begins with people identifying what areas they would like feedback on, and works best where the process is reciprocal between peers. A key component of peer evaluation is peer review of current practice often based on peer observation of teaching interactions. It should always be viewed as an opportunity not a threat for both parties.

Why evaluate teaching?

The purpose of an evaluation will influence the process and output and outcomes from it.

Summative evaluation (for certification) and formative evaluation (for improvement) both involve review of current activities, and professional judgement about performance. The summative purposes include providing assurance that students are able to achieve what a course intends them to achieve. Evaluation for improvement also includes forward looking activities towards development and enhancement of performance. Evaluation for improvement requires feedback of good quality rich information sufficiently detailed and focused to enable the participants to benefit from it.

Self evaluation should set the basis for all other forms of evaluation and an integral part of professional reflective practice.  Self-evaluation can help to:

• improve the educational experiences provided for students
• identify the professional development needed to further enhance capacity to teach well
• prepare for performance review
• assess readiness to apply for promotion and tenure

While students and other interested parties can contribute to evaluation the main discussion in this document focuses on peer evaluation.

Supervisor Review of Teaching.

If planning to apply for tenure or promotion, a supervisor may need to conduct a review of teaching.  This can also occur as part of an annual performance review.  The quality of this review is as dependent on preparation for it as it is on the capacity of the supervisor to engage with the review.  The process should follow a similar process to other forms of peer review.