Observation of Teaching Tools
How can I get feedback on my teaching?
OFAPD offers faculty the opportunity to receive feedback on their teaching. This is done in two ways. First, OFAPD staff can conduct an observation of classroom, in-patient and/or out-patient teaching. Second, OFAPD will assist individuals or departments with arranging for peer review of teaching.
What is an observation?
Observations of teaching completed by OFAPD are formative in nature. That is, these observations are conducted for the purposes of developing and improving a faculty member's teaching skills.
What is peer review?
Peer review is evaluation, conducted by a peer or colleague, of all aspects of one's teaching and most typically is used in a summative manner for promotion and tenure/long-term contract dossiers and awards. However peer review, like the observations offered by OFAPD, can provide formative feedback as well.
What should be included in an observation or peer review?
Ideally, observations completed by OFAPD as well as peer reviews include not only an observation of teaching but also a review of materials such as syllabi, rotation goals and objectives, learning outcomes, assignments, student work, teaching statement, and other relevant items.
For more information about observations in specific settings, please review the checklist tools listed here.
- Classroom Teaching Toolspdf
- Laboratory Teaching Toolspdf
- Inpatient Clinical Teaching Toolspdf
- Outpatient Clinical Teaching Toolspdf
Why should I have someone review my teaching?
Feedback on one's teaching both for the purposes of development, tenure, long-term contract, and promotion is essential in showing improvement in teaching. Both formative and summative evaluations of teaching are components of the effective teacher's portfolio and are now expected components of the criteria for excellence in teaching in the revised IUSM Standards of Excellence for Promotion and Tenure (2007).
How can I arrange for an observation of my teaching and/or assistance with peer review?
OFAPD recommends that faculty receive formative feedback of their teaching prior to a summative review.
To arrange for formative feedback, please contact us by email or by phone at (317) 278-2608. Observations that are conducted by OFAPD require that faculty complete a pre-observation form as well as attend a post-observation meeting. OFAPD will provide feedback on the learning climate, time management, communication of goals and expectations, opportunities to evaluate the learner, opportunities for feedback, and opportunities for self-directed learning. OFAPD will not provide feedback directly on content because the emphasis of these observations is teaching practice. Faculty members will be asked to identify areas in which they hope to improve and this will be the focus of the observation.
OFAPD has a protocol and a series of templates available for faculty interested in having a peer review of their teaching. Further, OFAPD can provide workshops and consultations to ensure a high quality peer review. To arrange for a workshop or consultation about peer review, contact us by emailor by phone at (317) 278-2608.
