1. Information Session Teaching Review Program

2. The Adelaide Peer Review Model Two related programs University of Adelaide2 Peer Assisted Reflection and Development Program (PARD-P) Faculty-run Formative Teaching Review Program (TRP) DVC(A)-run Summative Dimensions of Teaching

3. PARD-P The PARD-P is faculty-based professional development involving peer observation of teaching. The PARD-P model encourages teaching staff to take a critically reflective approach to their teaching practice for developmental purposes. The PARD-P and the TRP use the same Dimensions of Teaching to frame discussion: participating in the PARD- P is a useful preparation activity for staff prior to undertaking a TRP review. For further information on the PARD-P in your faculty, contact your Associate Dean (Learning & Teaching) University of Adelaide3

4. TRP: Who is it for? Encouraged and supported for: – All staff applying for University learning and teaching awards – All staff applying for conversion to Education Specialist appointments – All staff (excluding research-only) applying for promotion Peer review reports are valid for two years from the date of the observation. Staff may participate in a maximum of one review round per year. University of Adelaide4

5. TRP College of Reviewers Peer reviewers are learning and teaching experts, including the PVC (Student Learning), Associate Deans (Learning and Teaching), and Education Specialists. Peer reviewers have been nominated to become a reviewer based on their teaching and education credentials, including their teaching experience, knowledge of learning and teaching, and teaching awards. Each reviewee is allocated two reviewers; usually one reviewer from their faculty and one reviewer from outside their faculty. – To reduce any risk of conflict of interest, reviewers will not be from the same school as the reviewee. All peer reviewers have attended peer review training to meet the requirements of this role. University of Adelaide5

6. TRP: General Points The TRP is about providing evidence for applications – not about providing formative peer feedback (the PARD-P provides this function). The aim of the peer review observation is to demonstrate effective teaching practice in relation to the chosen dimensions of teaching. The peer review process is identical for applications for teaching awards, education specialist conversion, and academic promotion. – Keep in mind that peer review is only one element of a teaching award, education specialist conversion, or academic promotion application. Reviewees choose a minimum of 6 of 10 dimensions of teaching. – Knowledge of reviewee’s discipline is not crucial for reviewers; what they look for is evidence of effectiveness against the chosen dimensions. University of Adelaide6

7. Dimensions of Teaching Students are actively engaged in learning Students’ prior knowledge and experience is built upon Teaching caters for student diversity Students are encouraged to develop/expand their conceptual understanding Students are made aware of key learning outcomes Actively uses links between disciplinary and/or inter- disciplinary theory and practice Uses learning environments, education resources and techniques effectively Presents material in an appropriately structured manner Seeks feedback on students’ understanding and acts on this accordingly Provides timely feedback on student work and/or progress University of Adelaide7

8. TRP Process: Pre-observation Prospective applicants may choose to participate in the PARD-P within their faculty as preparation for the TRP. Prospective applicants submit an application form, nominating three preferred times for an observation session. Reviewees are matched with two DVC(A) trained reviewers. Reviewees arrange a 30 minute pre-observation meeting with their reviewers and prepares to discuss the following points a the meeting. – A brief overview of the course and the session to be observed – A discussion of the session’s learning outcomes and session objectives, and – The six dimensions of teaching that have been chosen for the observation session. University of Adelaide8

9. TRP Process: Observation The review takes place in one hour of teaching only – if the teaching session is longer than one hour, you must advise your reviewers which hour they should attend. Students must not be informed that a peer review is taking place, and you should ensure that your peer reviewers remain as unobtrusive as possible during the observation. – Commonly reviewees will inform their students that a couple of colleagues interested in the subject area are sitting in for an hour (you probably won’t need to do this if you are being reviewed during a large lecture). University of Adelaide9

10. TRP Process: Post-observation A post-observation meeting with your reviewers may be required if an unexpected issue arose at the peer observation that might have impacted your teaching – e.g. a student falling ill or a fire alarm going off. If the three of you agree that you should have another review, send the request through the peer review email. Each reviewer will be asked to complete their review within two weeks of the observation and forward it to the peer review email. Once both review reports have been received, they will be forwarded to you and your Head of School/line manager. – A record of the review is retained with the Office of the PVC(Student Learning), but it is your responsibility to include the reviews with application documentation. University of Adelaide10

11. TRP Process: Post-observation An additional review may be requested if there are significant differences between the reports. – Additional reviews involve only one reviewer, and all three completed reports should be included with application documentation. After receiving your peer review reports you have the option to submit a reviewee rejoinder. – A rejoinder allows you to address any issues raised by the reviewers which you think need to be clarified, contextualised or corrected. – The rejoinder should be included with all other documentation for your application(s). Reviews are valid for two years after the date of the observation. University of Adelaide11

12. Further Information Peer Review website: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/learning/teaching/peer-review/ University of Adelaide12