Teaching Observations
Teaching observations are one of the ways in which the University seeks to maintain quality and standards in teaching. Such observations also provide an important development opportunity, enabling you to engage in critical dialogue and reflection on your practical teaching skills with an experienced colleague. For the PG Certificate Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, two of your four observations must be completed by a University Teaching Observer (the other two observations will be completed by an experienced colleague e.g. Probation Advisor). You may choose to request an observation by a University Teaching Observer for Advance HE Fellowship (Associate Fellow, Fellow) applications.
University Developmental Observations by University Teaching Observers
Your teaching needs to be observed by a University Teaching Observer if you are:
- undertaking the PG Certificate Learning and Teaching in Higher Education as part of your New Lecturer Programme requirements
- Applying for AdvanceHE Fellowship (Associate Fellow and Fellow) (If desired*)
- Going for promotion
*You can choose to submit a formal request through OD for a University Teaching Observer
To arrange a teaching observation with a University Teaching Observer, you will need to complete the Teaching Observation Request Form. You must complete this form at least 4 weeks prior to the date that you would like the observation, and provide more than one date in reserve. If you have personally already arranged an observation with a member of staff, you must let us know. Organisational Development will confirm the observation scheduling to you within 1 to 2 weeks of receipt of your form.
All teaching observations will be recorded on the standard University Developmental Observation Form available below. There is a ‘Session Planning document’ in the Learn site for the PG Certificate Learning and Teaching in Higher Education and the appendix of the form. Two examples of completed Session Plans are available for view here. Once you have had your observation you will need to sign, date and upload the University Developmental Observation form onto the relevant Learn page (see below for Submission Points).
Submission Points
New Lecturers must upload their observation form here: Learn Page - Teaching Observations.
PG Cert colleagues must upload their observation form to the dedicated PG Cert Learning and Teaching in HE Learn site to which you will have been given access.
All other colleagues who have been observed by a University Teaching Observer (following a request through the OD webpage) must upload on this Learn site University Developmental Observations (UDO) . Please note you will need to 'self-enrol' as a student onto this Learn page in order to submit your observation form.
Teaching Observations
The Enhanced Academic Practice team is also able to offer teaching observations for continuing professional development purposes. This might apply, for example, if you:
- are an experienced member of staff looking to refresh your practical skills in teaching
- have received disappointing feedback on your teaching and wish to strengthen your skills
- are trialling a new teaching method and would welcome feedback from an independent, experienced colleague
Colleagues conducting observations
All colleagues conducting University Developmental observations should follow the procedures outlined in the document below:
Colleagues conducting teaching observations should take the opportunity to remind those being observed that the completed teaching observation can be aligned to the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF), guidance is available below: