Peer Observation for Professional Development (POPD) is for staff in academic and related roles. The process engages pairs of colleagues in cycles of planning, observation, reflection and action with the intention of enhancing teaching and the learning environment as contributory factors to student learning.
The expectation is that each member of staff in academic and related roles will commit to observing and being observed once, in each academic year.
POPD offers structured opportunities for peer learning by creating a space for dialogue in which good pedagogical practice can be surfaced and shared. Reflections arising from teaching observation can contribute to staff applications for Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA, FHEA, SFHEA).
For students, teaching observations in the classroom provide tangible evidence of St Mary’s commitment to student learning by ensuring that we are delivering on one of our key commitments to students by offering 'learning opportunities that are challenging, stimulating and stretching and that prepare our students for fulfilling graduate opportunities'.
To assist staff with teaching observations, a template document has been developed to structure your discussions and reflections: Teaching Observations for Professional Development form
Please contact the Academic Development team on adf@stmarys.ac.uk if you have any questions or queries about the teaching observation process.