Implementing a Peer and buzz observation System in higher education: An example of good practice

Abstract

Following the UE strategic plan that promotes quality and ongoing improvement in our academic offer, and situates the University as a reference of excellence in higher education in Spain, the Language Center implemented an internal structure for observations. The aim of the program is threefold: (1) to foment teacher development, (2) to assure standards internally and (3) to apply for external quality accreditation. The structure for observation was implemented progressively:1) Peer/Buzz: With the objective of giving all the teachers the opportunity of observing their peers and, consequently, improve their learning strategies, a Buzz week was implemented for first time in the Language Center. 2) Developmental Observations: An internal observation team conducted developmental (i.e. non-judgmental or graded) observations. These observations gave teachers opportunities to receive supportive developmental feedback on their 'blind spots’, and to discuss and reflect on how they can improve as teachers. 3) Formal management observation: Formal observations were carried out by management in an informal manner. These were employed for quality assurance purposes.