Peer Teaching Observation as an Essential Element for Faculty Development

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 ]