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 Fellowship. Probationary staff should check the information available from HR regarding all their requirements for probation.

Please read through the Teaching Observation Guidance 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.

Teaching Observations (internal)

Submitted for: Probation interim review(s)

Required for probation, you will need to arrange these teaching observations within your department, usually with help from your Probation Mentor.

The Teaching Observation Form should be used for internal observations and needs to be completed electronically. Please read through the Teaching Observation Guidance.

Senior Teaching Observations (external)

Required for: Final Probation review and Probationer Pathway to Fellowship authentication.

For your final probation review and as a means of authentication of practice for your fellowship application, you will need one observation carried out by a nominated approved Senior Teaching Observer. We recommend arranging this in the second semester - Year 1 for Lecturers (Teaching) and from the start of Year 2 for Lecturers (Research & Teaching).

Senior Teaching Observations (STO) are arranged by the Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT) and will be arranged with a nominated approved observer from another department. The Authentication of Practice Teaching Observation Form should be used in this instance and will be provided to you by CLT when booking the observation. Please read through the Teaching Observation Guidance.

Senior Teaching Observations (distance learning)

Senior Teaching Observations (STO) are arranged for those on probation, who teach on remote/distance learning courses or are not based at Claverton Down campus. These are also arranged by CLT.