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HomeWorkshopsAnnual Engagement in Collaborative Observation

This page was last updated 7th August 2020

Annual Engagement in Collaborative Observation

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Colleague presenting beside a big screen

Mode of delivery: The choice of observation context is yours - e.g. classroom teaching, the online element of blended learning, labs, studio work. We suggest that Pre-Observation and Post-Observation meetings should normally take place face to face.

Length of Session: Recommended: 2 hours : • ½ hour(+) Preparatory Discussion • 1 hour Observation • ½ hour(+) Follow-up Discussion

Develop your practice through observing or being observed by colleagues.

What staff need(s) will the workshop meet?

I’ve developed some new ABL approaches in my teaching and I’d like to share them with others to discuss the best way forward.

This year I’d like to pick up new ideas from watching others teach online.

I’m starting to teach online and would like someone to observe me and help me to develop an effective approach.

I’m looking to make some changes to my teaching – it would be good to have someone come to observe me and give ideas of new things to try.

I would love to observe someone else teach – this year, perhaps someone in a different subject area or someone who is using ABL.

I’ve been trying out some new ABL approaches in my teaching, but not everything went to plan. I’d like a fresh pair of eyes.

Through this you will...

Peer Observation at Northampton, known as Collaborative Observation, is ‘a peer based, collaborative, non-judgmental scheme designed to provide opportunities for participants to enhance the learning experience of their students and to reflect on and develop aspects of their own professional practice. The scheme recognises that all participants, whether observing or being observed, benefit from the process.’

It follows a 3-step process:

Step 1 – Preparation for Observation: 

Pre-Observation Meeting to discuss the observation agenda (learning goals of observer and observee), and exchange information about the observation context (see p.2 of the forms).

Step 2 – Observe

The Observation itself – the observer focuses on the agreed observation agenda and takes notes (see p.3 of the forms).

Step 3 – Discussion and Action Planning

Post-Observation Meeting discussing the agreed observation agenda, related aspects of learning and teaching, and actions you will each take as a result of the learning from the observation (see p.4 of the forms). 

Who would benefit from this workshop

All Learning and Teaching staff as part of the enhancement of teaching practice.

Specific skills

A5

Peer Observation at Northampton is very much a peer-to-peer process, known as Collaborative Observation, and is designed to provide developmental opportunities for you to enhance your teaching and the quality of the student learning experience.

Core Knowledge

K2

Engagement in Collaborative Observation will help develop the learning, teaching and assessment methods you use in your teaching.

K3

Whatever focus you choose for observation, you are encouraged to relate the discussion of teaching and support practice to your understanding of student learning.

Professional Values

V1

Collaborative Observation is a very personalised process.  Participants select the observation agenda according to their personal learning and develop interests and needs.

Supporting HEA fellowship

D1 - Associate Fellow of the HEA Staff with at least 1 year teaching/support experience. Typically these are staff who do some teaching/student support but not as the main element of their role, such as
  • Career researchers with some teaching responsibilities
  • Learning support, demonstrators or technicians with some teaching responsibilities
  • Staff experienced in professional areas but with a limited teaching role
D2 - Fellow of the HEA Staff for whom teaching or learning support is a significant element of their role such as staff with experience as
  • Academic or Support staff holding substantive teaching & learning responsibilities
  • Experienced professionals with substantive teaching & learning responsibilities including for example within workplace settings
D3 - Senior Fellow of the HEA Experienced HE teaching staff able to demonstrate sustained impact & influence on the L&T practice of others over a number of years, through
  • Leading, managing, organising programmes
  • Mentoring other staff
  • Departmental, School or other University responsibilities

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  • Description
  • Staff needs
  • Through this you will...
  • Who would benefit from this workshop
  • Specific skills
  • HEA Fellowship

Workshop provided by

  • N/A - You normally arrange this amongst yourselves, but

    • for further information
    • if you would like support or guidance
    • to let us know that an observation has been completed

    contact Shirley.Bennett@northampton.ac.uk. 

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