Involving peers in the evaluation and improvement of teaching: A menu of strategies

Various approaches to conducting peer coaching and peer review are described in this article. Examples of team mentoring, reciprocal class visitation, teaching circles, departmental teaching libraries, teaching portfolios, course portfolios, pedagogical colloquia and departmental reviews are discussed as methods for involving peers in the evaluation and improvement of teaching. Many departments will adapt a combination of approaches which fit their particular goals and context. All of these approaches rest on the assumption of faculty responsibility for the process; grassroots leadership; and a view of teaching as a substantive, scholarly activity.