A Systematic Review of Reciprocal Peer Observation in Higher Education

Corcelles-Seuba, M. and Ortiz, M. and O'Leary, Matt and Duran, D. (2025) A Systematic Review of Reciprocal Peer Observation in Higher Education. Professional Development in Education. ISSN 1941-5257

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Abstract

This article presents a systematic literature review focused on the collaborative approach of Reciprocal Peer Observation (RPO) in Higher Education (HE). The aim was to analyse the effectiveness of RPO on Teacher Professional Development (TPD). Following the PRISMA protocol, 57 journal articles were analysed for their research characteristics and empirical evidence on the benefits and challenges of RPO for teachers, students and institutions. Findings underscore RPO's growing interest and versatility (pairs/groups, intra/interdisciplinary, face-to-face/online) to meet the diverse TPD needs in HE. Qualitative studies were the most common research design (77.19%), providing compelling evidence of teachers' perceptions of the RPO's effectiveness for TPD and fostering collegiality. However, RPO's impact on improving teaching practice and student learning remains unclear. Therefore, RPO shows promise as a collaborative TPD approach in HE, but further research using mixed methods designs is needed to understand its full impact on teaching and learning. Challenges for effective RPO practice include ensuring constructive feedback and a meaningful process for teachers. The studies reviewed highlight the crucial role of HE institutions in managing RPO within a formal TPD program. Addressing challenges and institutional support can enhance RPO's effectiveness and promote continuous professional growth among teachers in HE.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1080/19415257.2025.2480768
Dates:	Date Event 19 March 2025 Accepted 29 March 2025 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	peer observation of teaching, reciprocal peer observation, collaborative observation, teacher development, professional learning, higher education.
Subjects:	CAH22 - education and teaching > CAH22-01 - education and teaching > CAH22-01-01 - education
Divisions:	Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences > Centre for Study of Practice and Culture in Education (C-SPACE) Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences > College of Education and Social Work
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	25 Mar 2025 14:34
Last Modified:	01 Apr 2025 12:04
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16262

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