Evaluation of a pilot peer observation of teaching scheme for chair-side tutors at Glasgow University Dental School.

AIM

To introduce and examine a pilot peer observation of teaching (POT) scheme within the Department of Paediatric Dentistry at Glasgow Dental School and its associated outreach centres.

METHODS

All tutors teaching paediatric dentistry were invited to be involved in evaluation of the POT scheme. Participants were randomly paired with a peer, who then observed their teaching and provided constructive feedback. For those consenting to be involved in the evaluation of the scheme, semi-structured, one-to-one interviews were carried out by the principal investigator.

RESULTS

POT was found by all participants to be a beneficial process, reassuring those of their teaching styles and giving them ideas to adapt their teaching.

CONCLUSION

POT is an effective method for engaging chair-side tutors in the reflection and development of their teaching practice via observations and scholarly discussion.