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Continuing Professional Development

 

Peer Review and Enhancement of Learning and Teaching

The University's Peer Review and Enhancement of Learning and Teaching forms part of our commitment to the delivery of high quality learning, teaching and assessment and to ensuring that student experience is at the heart of our practice. We expect all who delivery teaching as part of our degree and apprenticeship programmes to participate in peer review of their practice. 

The scheme is based on the following principles: 

  • honest and respectful critical peer review,
  • critical self-reflection,
  • the advancement and development of good practice in learning, teaching and assessment,
  • evaluation of the student-teacher interaction,
  • feedback on teaching methods including the sharing of new ideas or methods. 

It has been designed to support professional development in relation to learning and teaching. It includes:

  • the review of classroom delivery through observation (this might include practical demonstrations, lab sessions etc.)
  • critical review of learning designed in the OLE as synchronous or asynchronous activity,
  • review of the ongoing development of maths and English in apprenticeship curricular and
  • assessment and feedback,
  • module (re)design.

A developmental approach

The scheme provides an opportunity for staff to reflect on their established practices and the underpinning knowledge, skills and professional values, aligned to the UKPSF. Staff are encouraged to actively reflect on the possible implications for personal practice, and plan for ongoing actions to enhance their practice. The scheme also provides a system for staff to disseminate examples of practice or seek advice for specific development. The PRE does not form part of performance management on non apprenticeship programmes, however, we do encourage to reflect on your practice and share your learning as part of your annual review. The participation in PRE, and the types of observation should be recorded as part of your annual review. 

 

While the principles, as outlined below apply to the peer review and enhancement of all University of Suffolk delivery, the process differs slightly for staff teaching on apprenticeship programmes. See PRE Observations for Apprenticeships.

 

UKPSF mapping: A1, A2, A4, K2, K4, V1)

Principles of Peer Review and Enhancement (PRE)

The University of Suffolk PRE scheme is underpinned by guiding principles drawn from contemporary work across the HE sector, and designed to increase staff engagement in the process. It should be enrichingengagingenhancing and evaluating. 

Why enriching? 

Our PRE policy and process embraces diversity in learning and teaching activities, recognises existing practice and fosters the good health of teaching as an enriched, creative and scholarly informed process. Aspects such as blended course design, quality of assessments (both formative and summative) and student support are all included in PRE 

Why engaging? 

PRE is a pan-university activity for all whose role directly impacts on the student learning experience. Engaging in PRE signals to out students the University's commitment and openness to enhance and develop our practices, to promote engaging and positive student learning experiences. PRE is also a requirement for apprenticeship programmes and some PSRB programmes. 

Why enhancing?

PRE enhances both the student and staff learning experience. It is a process which promotes a reflective conversation about learning and teaching, supporting students' learning and links closely to individual personal and professional development. 

Why evaluating?

In reflecting upon our practices we evaluate what we do and ensure we have a strong rationale and informed evidence base for our practices.