Whatever happened to peer review? Revitalising the contribution of tutors to course evaluation

Abstract

Highlights the current emphasis on student feedback in the review and evaluation of units/modules at higher education level for quality audit purposes. Expresses the view that, while this is unquestionably desirable and necessary, other stakeholder perspectives are essential to create a balanced picture – in particular, the professional judgments of academic staff. Explains how the principle of peer review informed a pilot project at Sheffield Hallam University, in which two groups of academic staff from different units within the same broad subject area reviewed and evaluated each other’s units. Reports on the background and motivation for the project and on the setting up and management of the review process. Identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the process based on feedback from the participants. Indicates some of the cultural and procedural lessons learnt from the project and suggests ways of taking the process forward.

Citation

Bingham, R. and Ottewill, R. (2001), "Whatever happened to peer review? Revitalising the contribution of tutors to course evaluation", Quality Assurance in Education, Vol. 9 No. 1, pp. 32-39. https://doi.org/10.1108/09684880110381319