Material | Peer Observation, Feedback, and Reflection

Overview

- Peer observation, including feedback and reflection, is a core component of creating a professional community and building collective efficacy.
- Effective peer observation can help teachers to continue to improve their practice in ways that better promote student learning.
- Peer observation is a developmental opportunity for teachers.

Purpose

This Professional Practice Note provides guidance to school leaders and teachers on implementing peer observation, including feedback and reflection, to improve teacher professional practice.

Many schools already use peer observation and feedback. This Professional Practice Note can be a useful reference point for future planning and improvement. This note and accompanying guide can support schools at all stages of implementing peer observation.

Research shows observation of classroom teaching, linked to timely and useful feedback that focuses on improvement, is a particularly useful tool for teacher development.

Building Capability Through Peer Observation, Feedback, and Reflection

Evidence shows that when done well, peer observation, including feedback and reflection, is a high impact approach to improving professional practice and can be an important part of a teacher’s professional development.

Peer observation is supported by the performance and development whole-of-practice approach, and focuses on practice improvement, not assessment. The Practice Principles for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and the High Impact Teaching Strategies also provide an opportunity for teachers to focus on improving their knowledge and skills using evidence-based strategies that enhance the precision and impact of their practice.

Peer observation enables teachers to access feedback on their practice, build their individual capability and develop a shared understanding of effective practice.

The MET Project study has identified that classroom observation is one of the key measures of great teaching when combined with student surveys and student achievement gains.

For further information, please visit Victorian Government website.