Predicting academics' willingness to participate in peer review of teaching: a quantitative investigation

Abstract

Peer review of teaching is a collegial process designed to help academics reflect on and improve their teaching practice. Considerable research supports the value of peer review of teaching. However, uptake of voluntary programs is typically low. Few studies have examined the predictors of engagement in voluntary peer review. This study surveyed 221 (106 female, 115 male) academics in the first year of implementation of a peer review of a teaching program at a large dual-sector university. Results supported the impact of four key variables on willingness to engage in peer review of teaching: the perceived benefits of the program, an individual's perceived need for support around teaching, perceived drawbacks of the program and career-related benefits. Level of teaching experience was related to willingness to engage: staff with moderate levels of teaching experience were most willing to participate in the program. Limitations of the study are noted and recommendations for peer-review programs are provided.

Keywords:

• evaluation of teaching
• peer review of teaching
• university teaching

Notes

1. All descriptions of effect size magnitudes are based on Hopkins' (2011) guidelines.

2. All explanations of variability are based on adjusted R squared values.