Peer Teaching Observation as an Essential Element for Faculty Development

Cohort
2014
Fellow(s)
Initiative Theme
Collaborative Learning
Mentorship

Based on a long-standing interest in peer observation in my own college, the intent of this project was to foster a broad campus discussion on the importance of this collegial practice for improving teaching and learning and enhancing faculty development. In collaboration with several other PTFs with a strong interest in enhancing peer observation practices (see portal link below), we were able to engage the broader campus through development of a Learning Community (with broad participation), by conducting departmental conversations and workshops, and through presentations to University Administrators. Our PTF team’s efforts culminated in the development of a 2016 portal (with extensive support by the Center for Teaching and Learning) that was updated by the Center for Teaching and Learning in 2020. This portal was designed help guide departments and colleges through the deliberative process in developing their own, unit-specific collegial peer observation process [see https://ctl.utexas.edu/peer-observation ]

Impacts from This Initiative

UT Provost’s Teaching Fellows Initiative (De Lange Conference, Rice University)

Date

More than a dozen of the country’s leading education experts met at Rice University October 13-14, 2014 for the biennial De Lange Conference, “Teaching in the University of Tomorrow.” This conference was presented in collaboration with Scientia, an institute for the history of science and culture, and the Center for Teaching Excellence at Rice University.

Effect on Students and Faculty of Implementation of a Comprehensive, Longitudinal Pharmacy Practice Laboratory Series into Doctor of Pharmacy Curriculum

Date

Dr. Accosta, Dr. Castleberry, and Dr. Davis presented a poster at a national conference describing the Pharmacy Practice Lab (PPL) sequence spanning all six semesters of the UTCOP didactic program to consolidate lab components and increase skills development while aligning with and reinforcing curriculum balance.