User:Dei32011

 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.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"> • Focuses on the development of student’s judgment skills.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"> • Students are involved in the process and are encouraged to take part ownership of this process.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"> • Provides more relevant feedback to students as it is generated by their peers.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"> • It is considered fair by some students, because each student is judged on their own contribution.

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

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<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">

<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.