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Samuel Giron, Mainor Alexander Coca, Jorge López

 PEER OBSERVATION

' 1. Do you think peer observation could be effective in your own teaching situation? Explain.

We as a team consider that peer observation is a tool for teachers to improve their teaching; however, it has advantages and disadvantages that we may take into consideration if we really want to use this tool. We have considered the great importance of peer observation in teaching. It is important for both (teacher/student) because it enhances the learning process and strengthening students’ skills. But remember, even though this is no the best tool, it works. We also know that it is no comfortable to be observed by a classmate; nevertheless, we have to think that we are not the only ones who are learning but also the observer. Let s see some advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages: 

 • Agreed marking criteria means there can be little confusion about assignment outcomes and expectations.

 • Encourages student involvement and responsibility.

 • Encourages students to reflect on their role and contribution to the process of the group work.

 • Focuses on the development of student’s judgment skills.

 • Students are involved in the process and are encouraged to take part ownership of this process.

 • Provides more relevant feedback to students as it is generated by their peers.

 • It is considered fair by some students, because each student is judged on their own contribution.

 • When operating successfully can reduce a lecturer's marking load.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"> • Can help reduce the ‘free rider’ problem as students are aware that their contribution will be graded by their peers.

<p style="margin-left:36.0pt;text-align:justify;line-height:115%"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:18.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%; color:black;background:white;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Disadvantages: 

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"> • Additional briefing time can increase a lecturer’s workload.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"> • The process has a degree of risk with respect to reliability of grades as peer pressure to apply elevated grades or friendships may influence the assessment, though this can be reduced if students can submit their assessments independent of the group.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"> • Students will have a tendency to award everyone the same mark.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"> • Students feel ill equipped to undertake the assessment.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"> • Students may be reluctant to make judgments regarding their peers.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"> • At the other extreme students may be discriminated against if students gang up against one group member.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"> ​

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"> Consider these aspects: 

• Areas that could benefit from such a process

The purpose of peer observation is to improve teaching practices in a systematic form of professional development. Peer correction can benefit both the teacher doing the observation and the practitioner. Peer observation is a good way to improve teaching skills.

Reaction and possible support from your administration

Administrators should see the need for peer correction, support the training process and create a system that allows teachers time for observation. In addition, administrators should guarantee confidentiality and not used for formative purposes.

• Teacher reaction, both positive and negative

Peer correction can allow teachers to see other teacher styles and reflect on their own practices. Also, it brings positive changes in learning for the students. Besides, it enhances the relationship among teachers.

Available resources

The available resources that a teacher has in the peer observation are the tutor and the students

• Ways to overcome limitations or areas of difficulty

One way to overcome the areas of difficulty is through feedback teachers can be benefited because it a useful way to find out what his or her strengths and challenges are. For example, the teacher doing the observation told the other teacher who was giving the class some comments about the way she teaches that were beautifully and at the end she wrote some notes in which she mentioned some challenges.