Teaching Observations
A requirement of our course is you submit two formal teaching observations as part of your portfolio of evidence. The first observation is a formal management-led observation of you. The second observation is an informal observation made by you of an experienced colleague using the management-led process.
See the end of this resource for links to official observation forms and information.
Management-Led Observation of You
This observation is an opportunity to receive independent and expert feedback on the way you teach. It is not a tick-box or a test. It is an opportunity to identify strengths and weaknesses and grow!
We see the management-led observation of you as an essential part of the 7010CRB course experience and something you may choose to use to support your website reflections.
The Observation Process
A teaching session can be any interaction with students as part of their learning journey. It does not have to be a 'stand at the front' lecture. For example, you could be observed facilitating a workshop or lab session. It could be providing student supervision or creating online learning experiences. If you are unsure if your proposed activity qualifies for observation please contact your observer or a member of our course team.
Pre-Observation
Identify an observer and arrange for them to observe a teaching session.
Fill in the first section (part one) of the teaching observation form, describing your learning experience and send this to your observer.
Observation
Your observer will join your session and observe. They will complete the middle section (part two) of the Teaching Observation Form and send it back to you after your session completes.
Post-Observation
Reflect on the comments made by your observer.
Arrange to meet your observer to discuss your teaching session and the comments they have made.
This is not a test or a trial! The discussion is an opportunity for you to understand your strengths and areas you may wish to develop. It is a great opportunity to gain insight on your teaching practice and inspiration and guidance from and experienced colleague.
Agree and complete the final section (part three) noting any further actions and ideas for development.
Both sign and date the observation and copy to your Padlet Portfolio of Evidence.
Why not write a short reflection on the observation process while it is still fresh in your mind? You could include this in your portfolio along with the teaching observation form.
Note. You can ignore part four of the form which does not need to be completed.
Note. You can observe a colleague at any point during our course.
Note. We recommend you arrange your teaching observation as soon as possible, as colleagues time can be limited and you do need this observation to successfully complete the course.
How to Find a Qualified Observer
We suggest you undertake the following steps to identify a qualified observer:
- Ask the person responsible for your teaching for the names of people who can formally observe you. Send them a link to this resource so they can understand the context in which this observation is being made.
- If the person responsible for your teaching does not know who can formally observe you, ask them to contact their Associate Head (Student Experience) on your behalf. Associate Heads are responsible for the management-led observation scheme and will have a list of trained observers they can nominate to observe you.
In the unlikely situation that you are unable to identify an Associate Head (Student Experience) responsible for the teaching you undertake, please contact the 7010CRB Course Team.
Minimum Standards
Although your observation is not a test, we do require you to meet a minimum standard of teaching excellence to successfully complete our course.
Teaching Observations contain a matrix section asking the observer to mark different activities as Excellent, Good, Satisfactory or Poor.
You need to achieve two or less satisfactory ratings in the matrix to achieve the teaching standard expected by our course.
Note. It may be worth communicating this requirement to your observer. The requirement is part of the Teaching Observation training but sometimes observers will use an observation as a development opportunity - deliberately highlighting strengths and weaknesses for the benefit of the observee. It is important observers observe in the context of the Management-Led teaching observation process where attainment is normalised against University expectation.
Using the Teaching Observations
Teaching Observations are a powerful way to develop and grow your teaching practice. Identifying strengths and weaknesses can provide useful pointers as to what works for you and what needs developing to improve your student's learning experience.
You may want to consider the impact these teaching observations have made on your practice. It may be something you choose to use to support your website reflections.
The Small Print
You will need to be observed by a qualified University observer. Observers will have achieved Advance HE Fellowship (FHEA) and have attended a training workshop to ensure they understand the criteria as outlined on the Teaching Observation forms.
We will not accept observations from observers who do not meet the above criteria. If you are unsure if someone is qualified to observe on behalf of the University please contact your course leader.
Teaching observations are your responsibility.
The 7010CRB Teaching Team are not responsible for facilitating your observation. The Teaching Team can advise if you need support.
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