Teaching and Learning Observation College (TLOC)
Dialogue - Support - Enhance - Dissemination
Welcome to the Teaching and Learning Observation College (formerly the Peer Observation College). Literature highlights the benefits of observation to both the observer and observee. The University of Nottingham values peer led observation activity as a method to support the development of its teaching staff at whatever level. Watch the video below to get further insights into the benefits of being involved with the Teaching and Learning Observation College.
The Teaching and Learning Observation College (TLOC) is committed to supporting and developing excellence in teaching practice and the on-going professional development of all University of Nottingham staff through a collegial approach. To meet this aim, it emphasises four underpinning themes: dialogue, support, enhancement and dissemination.
Observations are gradated in formality, as illustrated in the figure below:
Contact TLOC
Developmental
These are informal and very much led by the observee. Observations or professional dialogues can be carried out by staff from the same School/Department or from across the University.
Formal
Formal observations or professional dialogues can be undertaken where the observee requires evidence for University awards or schemes, for example, the Lord Dearing Award.
You can request an observation or professional dialogue or register to become a TLOC Associate and observe others / lead professional dialogues through the TLOC System.
All staff who wish to become a TLOC Associate and lead observations or professional dialogues will undertake TLOC Associate training, and additional training is required before an observation can be conducted for some schemes that use the TLOC platform (Apprenticeships).
Dates of training are spread across the academic year.
All staff are expected to observe the University guidelines on Equality. Diversity and Inclusion.
For further information, please email: TLOC@nottingham.ac.uk
The following steps are involved in observations and professional dialogues:
For further information, please navigate to TLOC Moodle
Observation and Professional Dialogue Forms
Please find all observation and professional dialogue forms on TLOC Moodle.
Teaching and Learning Observation College Academic Board
The TLOC Academic Board is designed to support the strategic function of observation and professional dialogue activity across the University. Specifically, it develops, oversees and manages the implementation of the TLOC, reporting on areas of effective practice and identifying common areas of development.
- Chair: Professor Fiona McCullough
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Co-Chair: Dr Earl Kehoe
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Member: Dr Michael Clifford
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Member: Professor Andy Fisher
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Member: Professor Jo Lymn
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Member: Dr Sannia Mareta (UNN)
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Member: Dr Hazel Ramos (UNM)
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Member: TBC
Outcomes
For the University:
- To assist schools and faculties in providing a high quality educational experience
- To emphasise the importance allotted to the quality of teaching
- To encourage schools and faculties to reflect on the effectiveness of their teaching
- To foster discussion of good practise
For individuals:
- To encourage individuals to reflect on the effectiveness of their teaching
- To increase staff awareness of the whole student experience
- To identify any areas of development and support action planning
- To provide evidence to support NRS and promotion applications