Appendix C
Examples of Questions for Conducting Peer Evaluations of Teaching
This report has emphasized the importance of using multiple approaches in evaluating teaching effectiveness. As discussed in Chapters 4 and 5, feedback from faculty colleagues can be a highly useful source of information for improving teaching and learning. However, research has indicated that faculty colleagues can be far more effective in this role if they are trained in how to conduct peer evaluations and if they work from an accepted set of criteria.
The forms included in this appendix serve as examples of peer evaluation surveys. French-Lazovik’s (1981) form is designed to assist faculty in evaluating their colleagues on the basis of written materials that are provided in a dossier. The forms from Syracuse University and The University of Texas outline behaviors that colleagues can observe directly when they visit their colleagues’ classrooms.
Form |
Found on Page(s) |
From French-Lazovik (1981): Suggested Form for Peer Review of Undergraduate Teaching Based on Dossier Materials |
186–187 |
Syracuse University: Classroom Observation Worksheet |
188–192 |
University of Texas at Austin, Center for Teaching Effectiveness: Checklist of Teaching Skills |
193–195 |
SUGGESTED FORM FOR PEER REVIEW OF UNDERGRADUATE TEACHING BASED ON DOSSIER MATERIALS |
||
QUESTION |
DOSSIER MATERIALS |
SUGGESTED FOCUS IN EXAMING DOSSIER MATERIAL |
1. What is the quality of materials used in teaching? |
Course outline Syllabus Reading list Text used Study guide Description of non-print materials Hand-outs Problem sets Assignments |
Are these materials currents? Do they represent the best work in the field? Are they adequate and appropriate to course goals? Do they represent superficial or thorough coverage of course content? |
Peer Reviewer’s Rating: Low |
Very High |
|
Comments _________________________________ |
||
2. What kind of intellectual tasks were set by the teacher for the students (or did the teacher succeed in getting students to set for themselves), and how did the students perform? |
Copies of graded examinations Examples of graded research papers Examples of teacher’s feedback to To students on written work Grade distribution Descriptions of student performances, e.g., class presentations, etc. Examples of completed assignments |
What was the level of intellectual performance achieved by the students? What kind of work was given an A? a B? a C? Did the students learn what the department curriculum expected for this course? How adequately do the tests or assignments represent the kinds of student performance in the course objective? |
Peer Reviewer’s Rating: Low |
Very High |
|
Comments ______________________ |
||
3. How knowledgeable is this faculty member in subjects taught? |
Evidence in teaching materials Record of attendance at regional or national meetings Record of colloquia or lecture given |
Has the instructor kept in thoughtful contact with developments in his or her field? Is there evidence of acquaintance with the ideas and findings of other scholars? (This question addresses the scholarship necessary to good teaching. It is not concerned with scholarly research publication.) |
Peer Reviewer’s Rating: Low |
Very High |
|
Comments _____________________ |
4. Has this faculty member assumed responsibilities related to the department’s or University’s teaching mission? |
Record of service on department curriculum committee, honors program, advising board of teaching, special committees (e.g., to examine grading policies, admission standards, etc. Description of activities in supervising graduate students learning to teach. Evidence of design of new courses |
Has he or she become departmental or college citizen in regard to teaching responsibilities? Does this faculty member recognize problems that hinder good teachings and does he or she take a responsible part in trying to solve them? Is the involvement of the faculty member appropriate to his or her academic level? (e.g., assistant professors may sometimes become over-involved to the detriment of their scholarly and teaching activities.) |
Peer Reviewer’s Rating: Low |
Very High |
|
Comments ___________________ |
||
5. To what extent is this faculty member trying to achieve excellence in teaching? |
Factual statement of what activities the faculty member has engaged in to improve his or her teaching. Examples of questionnaires used for formative purposes. Examples of changes made on the basis of feedback. |
Has he or she sought feedback about teaching quality, explored alternative teaching methods, made changes to increase student learning? Has he or she sought aid in trying new teaching ideas? Has he or she developed special teaching materials or participated in cooperative efforts aimed at upgrading teaching quality? |
Peer Reviewer’s Rating: Low |
Very High |
|
Comments ________________________ |
||
|
Peer Reviewer’s Signature ______________ Date _____________________________ |
|
SOURCE: French-Lazovik (1981). |
Syracuse University
Resource B: Sample Forms
Classroom Observation Worksheet
Instructor ____________ Course ____________
Date _____________ Observer _____________
Directions: Below is a list of instructor behaviors that may occur within a given class or course. Please use it as guide to making observations, not as a list of required characteristics. When this worksheet is used for making improvements to instruction, it is recommended that the instructor highlight the areas to be focused on before the observation takes place.
Respond to each statement using the following scale:
Not observed |
More emphasis |
Accomplished very well |
1 |
2 |
3 |
Circle the number at the right that best represents your response. Use the comment space below each section to provide more feedback or suggestions.
Content Organization |
Not Observed |
More emphasis Recommended |
Accomplished very Well |
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
1.Made clear statement of the purpose of the lesson. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
2.Defined relationship of this lesson to previous lessons |
1 |
2 |
3 |
3.Presented overview of the lesson |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4. Presented topics with a logical sequence |
1 |
2 |
3 |
5. Paced lesson appropriately |
1 |
2 |
3 |
6. Summarized major points of lesson |
1 |
2 |
3 |
7. Responded to problems raised during lesson |
1 |
2 |
3 |
8. Related today’s lesson to future lessons |
1 |
2 |
3 |
Comments: |
|||
Reflective Faculty Evaluation |
|||
Presentation |
Not Observed |
More emphasis Recommended |
Accomplished very Well |
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
9 Projected voice so easily heard |
1 |
2 |
3 |
10. Used intonation to vary emphasis |
1 |
2 |
3 |
11. Explained things with clarity |
1 |
2 |
3 |
12. Maintained eye contact with students |
1 |
2 |
3 |
13. Listened to student questions and comments |
1 |
2 |
3 |
14. Projected nonverbal gestures consistent with intentions |
1 |
2 |
3 |
15. Defined unfamiliar terms, concepts, and principles |
1 |
2 |
3 |
16. Presented examples to clarify points |
1 |
2 |
3 |
17. Related new ides to familiar concepts |
1 |
2 |
3 |
18. Restated important ideas at appropriate times |
1 |
2 |
3 |
19. Varied explanations for complex and difficult material |
1 |
2 |
3 |
20. Used humor appropriately to strengthen retention and interest |
1 |
2 |
3 |
21. Limited use of repetitive phrases and hanging articles. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
Comments: |
|||
Resource B: Sample Forms |
|||
Instructor-Student Interactions |
Not Observed |
More emphasis Recommended |
Accomplished very Well |
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
22. Encouraged student questions |
1 |
2 |
3 |
23. Encouraged student discussion |
1 |
2 |
3 |
24. Maintained student attention |
1 |
2 |
3 |
25. Asked questions to monitor students’ progress |
1 |
2 |
3 |
26. Gave satisfactory answers to student questions |
1 |
2 |
3 |
27. Responded to nonverbal cues of confusion, boredom, and curiosity |
1 |
2 |
3 |
28. Paced lesson to allow time for note taking |
1 |
2 |
3 |
29. Encouraged students to answer difficult questions |
1 |
2 |
3 |
30. Asked probing questions when student answer was incomplete |
1 |
2 |
3 |
31. Restated questions and answers when necessary |
1 |
2 |
3 |
32. Suggested questions of limited interest to be handled outside of class |
1 |
2 |
3 |
Comments: |
|||
Reflective Faculty Evaluation |
|||
Instructional Materials and Environment |
Not Observed |
More emphasis Recommended |
Accomplished very Well |
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
33. Maintained adequate classroom facilities |
1 |
2 |
3 |
34. Prepared students for the lesson with appropriate assigned readings |
1 |
2 |
3 |
35. Supported lesson with useful classroom discussions and exercises |
1 |
2 |
3 |
36. Presented helpful audio-visual materials to support lesson organization and major points |
1 |
2 |
3 |
37. Provided relevant written assignments |
1 |
2 |
3 |
Comments: |
|||
Content Knowledge And Relevance |
Not Observed |
More emphasis Recommended |
Accomplished very Well |
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
38. Presented material worth knowing |
1 |
2 |
3 |
39. Presented material appropriate to student knowledge and background |
1 |
2 |
3 |
40. Cited authorities to support statements |
1 |
2 |
3 |
41. Presented material appropriate to stated purpose of course |
1 |
2 |
3 |
42. Made distinctions between fact and opinion |
1 |
2 |
3 |
43. Presented divergent viewpoints when appropriate |
1 |
2 |
3 |
44. Demonstrated command of subject matter |
1 |
2 |
3 |
Comments: |
|||
Resource B: Sample Forms |
|||
45. What overall impressions do you think students left this lesson with in terms of content or style? |
|||
46. What were the instructor’s major strengths as demonstrated in this observation? |
|||
47. What suggestions do you have for improving upon this instructor’s skills? |
Checklist of Teaching Skills*
Instructor: ______________ Class: _______________
Observer: _______________ Date: _______________
Directions: Respond to each of the following statements by checking the blank which corresponds to your observation.
Yes = Observed No = Not observed; would have been appropriate NA = Not applicable
Importance and Suitability of Content |
Yes |
Some times |
No |
NA |
Comments |
|
1. |
Students seemed to have the necessary background to understand the lecture material |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
2. |
The examples used drew upon student experiences. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
3. |
When appropriate, a distinction was made between factual material and opinions. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
4. |
When applicable, appropriate authorities were cited to support statements. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
5. |
When appropriate, divergent viewpoints were presented. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
6. |
An appropriate amount of material was included in the lecture |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
Organization and Clarity |
||||||
7. |
Stated the purpose of the class session. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
8. |
Presented a brief overview of the content. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
9. |
Made explicit the relationship between today’s and other aspects of the course. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
10. |
Defined new terms, concepts and principles. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
11. |
Arranged and discussed the content in a systematic and organized fashion. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
12. |
Asked questions periodically to determine whether too much or too little information was being presented. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
13. |
Presented clear and simple examples to clarify very abstract and difficult ideas. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
14. |
Used alternate explanations when necessary. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
15. |
Explicitly stated the relationships among various ideas. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
16. |
Periodically summarized the most important ideas. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
17. |
Slowed the word flow when ideas were complex and difficult. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
18. |
Did not often digress from the main topic. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
19. |
Summarized the main ideas. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
20. |
Related the day’s material to upcoming sessions. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
Activities |
||||||
21. |
Used a variety of activities in the class. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
22. |
Activities used were appropriate for this class. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
23. |
Instructions for activities were clear. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
24. |
Sufficient time was given to complete the activities. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
25. |
The students were actively involved. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
26. |
Debriefing of the activity was student-centered. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
© 1992 Ctr. for Teaching Effectiveness, The University of Texas at Austin |
Use of Questions |
Yes |
Some times |
No |
NA |
Comments |
|
31. |
Asked questions to see what the students knew about the lecture topic. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
32. |
Addressed questions to individual students as well as the group at large. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
33. |
Used questions to gain students’ attention. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
34. |
Paused after all questions to allow students time to think of an answer. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
29. |
Encouraged students to answer difficult questions by providing cues or rephrasing. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
30. |
When necessary, asked students to clarify their questions. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
31. |
Asked probing questions if a student’s answer was incomplete or superficial. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
32. |
Repeated answers when necessary so the entire class could hear. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
33. |
Received student questions politely and enthusiastically. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
34. |
Requested that very difficult, time-consuming questions of limited interest be discussed before or after class or during office hours. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
Interaction |
||||||
35. |
Established and maintained eye contact with the class. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
36. |
Listened carefully to student comments and questions. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
37. |
Facial and body movements did not contradict speech or expressed intentions (e.g., waited for responses after asking for questions). |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
38. |
Noted and responded to signs of puzzlement, boredom, curiosity, etc. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
39. |
Encouraged student questions. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
Use of Media |
||||||
27. |
Writing on board/overhead/slides was legible. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
28. |
Information presented on board/overhead/slides was organized and easy to follow. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
29. |
The AV-materials used added to the students’ comprehension of the concept(s) being taught. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
30. |
The AV-materials were handled competently (e.g., the instructor did not walk in front of the image for overhead or slide projector; the instructor spoke to the class, not the screen or board; etc.). |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
Individual Style |
||||||
40. |
Voice could be easily heard. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
41. |
Voice was raised or lowered for variety and emphasis. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
42. |
Speech was neither too formal nor too casual. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
43. |
Speech fillers (e.g., "ok now", "ahmm", etc.) were not distracting. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
44. |
Rate of speech was neither too fast nor too slow. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
45. |
Wasn’t too stiff and formal in appearance. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
46. |
Wasn’t too casual in appearance. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
47. |
Varied the pace of the lecture to keep students alert. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
|
48. |
Spoke at a rate which allowed students time to take notes. |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |