Assessment and Improvement of Education : an Alternative Approach

Abstract

This article presents a study of peer observation of classroom teaching as a new approach for the evaluation and improvement of teaching. This alternative evaluation method, called "peer observations of teachers", "peer consultation" and "cooperative teaching" in the literature, has been carried out in "Teaching and Learning Centers" at many faculties. The procedural standard necessary for peer observation -pre-observation, observation, post-observation, the important points an observer should follow and observation instruments- are also mentioned in the article. Evaluation needs to be participatory and reflective in order to be meaningful for teachers. Through peer observation, teachers have an opportunity both to participate in the evaluation process and to reflect on their ideas as a result of the shared experience.