The Colleague Development Program: a multidisciplinary program of peer observation partnerships

Abstract

Background: As an introduction to peer observation of teaching, a multi-disciplinary program of peer observation partnerships was implemented across Faculty of Health Sciences. The ‘Colleague Development Program’ focussed on formative feedback and on promoting collegiality within and across traditional discipline boundaries.

Aims: To describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Colleague Development Program.

Methods: Participants asked a trusted colleague to observe their teaching. Feedback on good practice and suggestions for improvement were sought. Colleague observations were guided by specific learning objectives articulated by participants. Following the teaching observation/s, the colleague observer and the participant discussed the extent to which the participant's learning objectives had been achieved. A written summary of mutually agreed outcomes was prepared. Program evaluation included anonymous participant questionnaire and focus group discussions.

Results: Forty-two staff enrolled in the program with 23 completing all elements and participating in the evaluation. Participants reported increased confidence in teaching, confirmation of good practice, exposure to new ideas, and a greater sense of institutional support and collegiality.

Conclusions: Situating peer evaluation within a collegial partnership overcame participants’ concerns about being the subject of ‘evaluation’ and ‘criticism’ by emphasising existing collegiality and trust amongst peers.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Maree O’Keefe

MAREE O’KEEFE is a Paediatrician and Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide. In addition to supporting medical student learning in Paediatrics, her research activities include promoting consumer participation in medical curriculum development and building capacity for quality learning in health care teams.

Amanda Lecouteur

AMANDA LECOUTEUR is an Associate Professor, Psychology, The University of Adelaide. Her research is in the fields of education, health and gender, with a focus on issues of identity management and accountability. She is also involved in research and consultancy in the area of elite sport and achievement.

Jennifer Miller

JENNIFER MILLER is coordinator of the Bachelor of Oral Health Program at the University of Adelaide. Her research interests include problem-based learning, group interaction linked to assessment outcomes, evaluation of clinical placement programs and attenuation of the social gradient through oral health policy.

Ursula McGowan

URSULA MCGOWAN is Deputy Director of the Centre for Learning and Professional Development at the University of Adelaide. She is responsible for academic staff development including the academic induction of tenured and sectional staff. Her courses systematically include a focus on peer review of teaching for lecturing staff.