Evaluating Teaching Quality throughout a University

Abstract

Recognizes that universities are coming under increasing pressure from a number of sources to produce evidence of the quality of their teaching. Outlines the approach to evaluating teaching quality being implemented within The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. Shows how this is based on the use of a self‐assessment pro forma that enables staff to rate their performance against 28 basic criteria which characterize effective teaching and related activities. Describes how the scheme was piloted on a voluntary basis throughout the university during 1992‐93, and how subsequent evaluation indicated it had proved both acceptable to staff and successful in achieving its various design aims. Shows how the scheme is now being formally incorporated into the university′s Staff Development and Career Review Scheme, and is also being used to accumulate evidence of teaching quality for use in external quality assessments and audits.