Teaching observation requirements
If you are a lecturer on probation, you will need to submit teaching observations as evidence for both probation reviews and as a means of authentication of practice when submitting your fellowship application within the Probationer Pathway to HEA Fellowship (PHEAF). Probationary staff should check the information available from HR regarding all their requirements for probation.
Please read through the Bath Teaching Observation Guidance Notes before using either of the observation forms for the first time (whether as an observer or observee). These observations can then be submitted as evidence when required, e.g. for mid probation reviews or authentication of practice.
Internal observations
Submitted for: Probation interim review(s)
Required for probation, you will need to arrange internal observations within your department, usually with help from your Probation Mentor.
The Bath Teaching Observation Form 2020-21 should be used for internal observations and needs to be completed electronically. Please read through the Bath Teaching Observation Guidance Notes.
External senior teaching observations
Required for: Final Probation review and Probationer Pathway to HEA Fellowship (PHEAF) authentication
For your final probation review (Year 1 for Lecturers (Teaching), from Year 2 for Lecturers (Research & Teaching)) and as a means of authentication of practice for your fellowship application, you will need one observation carried out by an approved Senior Teaching Observer (STO).
Senior teaching observations are organised centrally by Academic Staff Development (ASD) and will be arranged with an STO from another department. The Authentication of Practice Teaching Observation Form 2020-21 should be used in this instance and will be provided to you by ASD when booking the observation. Please read through the Bath Teaching Observation Guidance Notes.
Once you have a satisfactory senior teaching observation for your PHEAF application, you will not require a second observation in the final year of probation, as you can use the same one as your evidence.
Online and/or distance teaching “observation”
With the current Covid-19 situation, we are able to consider arranging senior teaching observations from recordings of face to face teaching. If you are only teaching online, please contact ASD in the first instance to discuss.