“Intervisitas”: an in house staff development activity based on classroom peer observation of teaching staff

Abstract

The activity “Intervisitas”, has been developed during two academic years, 2010-2012, within the Biomedical Sciences Department of the European University of Madrid, which objective is to coordinate and support staff in their teaching practice and professional growth. In spite of being offered many and valuable opportunities of staff development within higher education institutions, these usually do not include structured activities of peer observation as a tool for teaching improvement. In an effort to provide an opportunity for professors with different levels of teaching experience, content expertise and teaching methodologies interest to exchange best practices and participate in a shared reflection process, this voluntary activity is organized within the department. Some of the reported participants results include the value of being able to obtain constructive feedback from a knowledgeable peer in a safe context and being able to focus on other aspects of their practice apart from the acquisition and transferring of theoretical knowledge. We propose to continue our in-house department efforts to provide staff development opportunities which focus on reflective practice of each individual as a means to grow. Next academic year we will be starting “The Professor´s Portfolio”, which will include peer visitations an important component.