1. Chris Douce and Sarah Chyriwsky
Understanding online teaching practice: the importance of the observation
Chris Douce and Sarah Chyriwsky
Online tutorials are very important and will grow in significance across the university as tools and technologies develop. One of the important roles of a staff tutor is to carry out tutorial observations. These observations may take place during face to face tutorials, or during online sessions. Since tutors can now record their on-line sessions, observations can take place retrospectively, i.e. after a tutorial.
This presentation summarises an eSTEeM project that aims to understand more about the importance and relevance of tutorial observations, and understand what issues might be specific to observing online tutorials. The project aims are: (1) to identify literature that relates to teaching observation, (2) understand what issues are specific to on-line observations, (3) uncover shared practice regarding observations, and (4) understand the extent to which observations can positive influence STEM teaching practice. The project has emerged due to the need for guidelines regarding tutorial observations and the increase in the use of online tuition. It is also connected to the practical need to develop good online/onscreen STEM practice amongst a community of tutors. It has the potential to enhance practice and potentially have a positive impact on student experience.
This presentation also summarises results from the first objective: the identification of literature that relates to teaching observations. Those who attend the presentation will also invited to share their experiences of being observed. Views about the importance of observation on teaching and learning performance are also welcome.

2. Tutorial visits
A reflection on my first ever tutorials, and observations. Picture: creative commons, from eltpics, Flikr.

3. Introduction Aims and outcomes Method Progress Next steps
Discussion and feedback

4. Aims and outcomes
Understand good tuition observation practice and feedback
Understand how it can be applied to live online tutorials
Understand how to observe team teaching
Seminars and presentations
Papers and reports
Staff tutor practice
AL professional development activities
Tuition excellence

5. Method Literature review (secondary, tertiary, higher)
Speaking to colleagues
Focus groups
Associate lecturers
Staff tutors
Application and evaluation (observation and feedback)
Write up, publication and dissemination (internal and external)
Note: what do associate lecturers and staff tutors want from an observation?

6. Progress Seeking help with literature review Literature review
Associate lecturer focus group
Staff tutor focus group
Analysis
Application
Writing
Publication
Emphasis on where we are. Literature review also comprises of a set of samples of observation templates. Staff tutor focus group to take place through Adobe Connect/OU Live

7. Literature review
59 papers: journals, books, professional development conferences
Peer observation and observation design
Tutorial observations: monitoring vs development
Benefits: pedagogy, shift in perspective, enhancement
Professional development: technology, belonging, confidence
Challenges: anxiety, workload, availability, observer bias
Importance of dialogue: observed and observer
Observer bias lies in terms of ‘we look for ourselves’ in the observeration.

8. Next steps Continue with literature review Running first focus groups
Analysing results from the focus group
Continue with reading
Setting up second focus group with staff tutors

9. Discussion and feedback
When were you last observed and what happened?
Have you ever had an online tutorial observation?
What do you think is important to focus on?
How should feedback be presented?