THE ROLE OF PEER OBSERVATION AND PEER REVIEW IN THE PROFESSIONAL FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF AMERICAN AND BRITISH HIGHER EDUCATION TEACHERS

Abstract

In the article peer observation and peer review are defined as effective forms of professional
development of higher education teachers. For illustrative purpose experience of the USA and Great Britain
is given.
In defining the concept of "professional development", the works of American and British teachers
who use different definitions are analysed: "professional development", "career development", "staff
development", etc.
It is noted that professional development is usually seen as a process aimed at improving skills through
formal or informal learning. Professional development should be related to the needs of the individual and be
consistent with the current situation in society and education.
The authors emphasise that peer observation and peer evaluation as a form of professional
development of higher education teachers are increasingly used in higher education institutions in the USA
and the UK, receiving support from organisations involved in improving the quality of learning and teaching
in higher education.
The paper emphasises that peer observation is not a control or critical evaluation of teaching activities.
It is seen as a support system and a means of professional development of the teaching staff.
The advantages of peer observation are analysed both for those teachers who are observers and for
those whose classes are observed.
The authors note that there are formative (developmental) and summative (for solving personnel
issues) peer observation.
In the process of peer observation, three stages can be distinguished: preparatory (instruction),
observation as such, or attendance at a class, and final (feedback and analysis). The article analyses all of
these stages in detail, emphasising the importance of each of them. Particular emphasis is placed on
feedback, without which it is impossible to achieve the effectiveness of peer observation.
As an example, the article provides recommendations for visiting, observing and analysing classes
during a peer observation at Keele University and the Center for Effective Learning and Teaching at North
Carolina State University.