{"id":21690,"date":"2024-09-11T07:30:38","date_gmt":"2024-09-10T21:30:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au\/teaching@sydney\/?p=21690"},"modified":"2025-05-04T17:01:27","modified_gmt":"2025-05-04T07:01:27","slug":"tailoring-peer-observation-for-your-tutors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au\/teaching@sydney\/tailoring-peer-observation-for-your-tutors\/","title":{"rendered":"Tailoring peer observation for your tutors at Sydney"},"content":{"rendered":"

In our previous post, Supporting Tutors through Peer Observation<\/em><\/a>, we explored the concept of peer observation, its benefits for tutors, and key features of effective programs.\u00a0<\/span>Now, we’ll showcase four different peer observation programs developed across the University of Sydney, demonstrating how these principles are put into practice. By examining these models, which range from mentorship approaches to reciprocal peer learning, we aim to inspire and guide you in adapting peer observation for your own teaching context.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

The many shapes and sizes of peer observation programs<\/h2>\n

Peer observation programs come in many shapes and sizes, reflecting the diverse needs and contexts of different units, schools, and faculties. At the University of Sydney, we aim to create a space where local context can influence approach while still adhering to best practices in peer observation. This flexibility allows for tailored programs that best serve the unique needs of each tutor cohort.<\/span><\/p>\n

Below we present four peer observation programs developed across the University of Sydney. These programs demonstrate how different units\/schools\/faculties have implemented key features of effective peer observation while taking unique approaches to meet their specific needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The programs can be broadly categorised into two main models:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Peer observation models<\/b><\/td>\nKey features<\/b><\/td>\nExample programs at Sydney<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mentorship Model:<\/b> junior tutors observing senior tutors<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • New tutors observe more experienced colleagues<\/li>\n
  • Focuses on skill development and confidence building<\/li>\n
  • Structured timeline for observations (e.g., weeks 4-6)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • School of Economics<\/li>\n
  • Faculty of Science<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reciprocal Model:<\/b> peer-to-peer learning<\/td>\nMixed random pairing<\/b><\/p>\n
    \n
  • Tutors randomly assigned to observe and be observed by different colleagues<\/li>\n
  • Encourages diverse perspectives and broader network-building<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Unit FASS1000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Buddy system<\/b><\/p>\n
    \n
  • Tutors paired for mutual observation<\/li>\n
  • Emphasises collaborative learning and reciprocal feedback<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n