BI 10x GTA Peer Supervision Procedure
This refers to OSU graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) collecting data on each other’s teaching for
use in a course or for professional development. BI 10x supports GTAs who would like to engage in,
and potentially benefit from, having their own teaching observed by peers. We have a peer
supervision procedure in place intended to protect graduate student time and confidentiality.
This does not include: collection of research data (any data collection that requires a subject
signature and/or IRB approval) or collection of specific data on BI 10x undergraduates (see below).
For research or student data inquiries, please forward to Lesley Blair.
Step #1: Email the observer approval, any limitations/stipulations, and observation rules:
Since the peer supervision process requires extra work on the part of a BI 10x GTA, participation is
optional and his/her approval is necessary. If a BI 10x GTA would like a peer to make a classroom
observation, he/she emails the potential observer (A) approval, (B) any requested
limitations/stipulations, and (C) the mandatory BI 10x observation rules (below).
A. Observation Approval: all observations are optional, we recommend limiting the number of peer
supervisions per term.
B. Observation Limitations/Stipulations: Any GTA who chooses to participate in a peer supervision
may indicate in the email the type of data he/she would or would not like collected, date of
observation, time arriving before the start of class, where they might like the observer to sit, etc.
C. BI 10x Observation Rules (mail to GTA observer):
Student data that can be collected is limited to general characteristics and behaviors that relate
directly to the GTA teaching being observed. Here are examples of types of student data that can
be collected: most of the class is listening during the introductory lecture; there are approximately
30 students; most students are taking notes; students are raising their hands to get the GTA’s
attention; the GTA is contacting most of the students as he/she walks around the room, the GTA is
greeting students as they enter the room, etc. No identifiable student data can be collected. This
includes the obvious data like photos, names, grades, and written work, but also any observation
notes that identify physical features or speech patterns. If in doubt, contact Lesley Blair.
Students are not to be impacted directly by the observer. If a student asks who is being observed,
the answer is correctly “the teacher.” If any student (or GTA) expresses displeasure with the
observation process, the observation is immediately terminated.
The observed BI 10x GTA is given the opportunity to read the observation report and approve or
disapprove of its dissemination. After the observation, any information that will be disseminated
about the GTA’s teaching (in a class or otherwise) needs to be written up and emailed to the GTA.
The GTA can either approve that the information be shared (in writing via email) or disapprove, in
which case, no information about the GTA is to be released any further.
Step #2: Host the Observer in Your Classroom
As a guest peer in the class, the GTA observer will not be participating directly in the activity. However
in case of the unlikelihood of a medical situation, follow the procedures that would be followed for an
undergraduate student in the class.
Step #3: Give Approval or Disapproval on the Written Observation Report
After receiving and reviewing the results that will be shared with others (most likely in a course) email
the observer approval or disapproval to disseminate the material.