PROBATION ONLY

Observation of learning and teaching activity

This form is to be used to record the outcomes of observations of those who deliver and support learning and teaching. Schools should use this form only to provide
evidence of satisfactory/unsatisfactory completion of probationary periods for new staff.

It is based on a standard common framework consisting of five domains which align with the Higher Education Academy’s (HEA) Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF)
to support staff gaining external recognition and accreditation for their teaching, learning support, curriculum and professional activities. The framework is set out in
Appendix 1 and the links are shown for each domain. It should be used alongside the Guidance [link]. Teaching Observations during a probationary period should be
undertaken by a Head of Department, Deputy Head or Head of School.

Section A (to be completed by the observee)

Observee: Teacher Status*:

(name of staff member being observed)

Module/Course/Programme: Nature, Type and Purpose of Session

Probation 1 / Probation 2 (delete as appropriate)
Observer/Reviewer: Date and Time:

Venue: Number of Students (registered)

Number of Students (in attendance)
Duration of Observation: Proposed date, time and venue for post observation discussion:

What are the learning outcomes for the session / materials? How do the learning outcomes for the session relate to the assessment pattern?

How do the learning outcomes relate to module and subject learning Were there any special factors/problems that you took into consideration when
outcomes? planning the session or materials? (please provide planning ahead of the observation)
Are there any particular aspects which you would like to form the basis for discussion in the pre-meeting or on which you would especially appreciate feedback
following the observation?

Pre-observation meeting comments (For probation teaching observations, this should be discussed in a face to face meeting).

Approved: 1st October 2018

SECTION B

Brief comments should be recorded under the following headings. These comments should inform the writing of the overall judgement i.e. if more comments in the emerging
column, then the judgement overall will be emerging and the language used will reflect this. Additionally, not all domains will be commented upon in every teaching
observation.

Domain Comments: (These could include professional standards e.g. health professionals)
1. Session content
Shows good command of subject matter as
appropriate for HE level for student group

Subject matter is drawn from relevant

scholarship, research, professional experience

Shows good command of the subject matter

for the teaching and learning strategy of the
session
UKPSF Ref: A1, A2, A5, K1, K2, V3 & V4
2. Management and Organisation
Organises learning activities and subject
matter

Evidence of thorough planning and

preparation of learning activities and subject
matter

Evidence of clear and well thought through

learning objectives and structure

Learning is related (where appropriate) to

learning resources used in the session and/or
pre/post session on the VLE

Approved: 1st October 2018

Demonstrates ability to manage transitions
between activities and maintains good order
UKPSF Ref: A1, K1, K4 & K6
3. Teaching and Learning
Demonstrates enthusiasm for subject and for
teaching

Uses a range of questioning techniques

Engages students in active learning

Encourages participation and reflection as

appropriate

Provides clear explanations and appropriate

intellectual challenge

Uses a range of formative assessments to

promote and extend learning
UKPSF Ref: A3, A4, K2 & K3
4. Awareness and Accessibility

Exhibits positive and inclusive interaction with

students together with sensitivity to students’
individual learning styles, personal culture,
gender differences and disabilities, responding
appropriately to student contributions

Creates an appropriate learning environment

Checks understanding and provides feedback

Ability to reflect upon teaching, learning and

assessment strategies
UKPSF Ref:A3, A4, K2, K5 & V1

Approved: 1st October 2018

 5. Student Engagement
Active learning and engagement evident with
appropriate interaction and participation by
students

Encouragement and support for extending

learning both during and outside of the
session e.g. use of VLE
UKPSF Ref: K3, K4 & V2
Observer overview comments

Areas of good practice to develop and/or share

Areas for future development/targets [SMART]

Further support, action or outcomes:

On target to pass probation Passed probation

Not on target to pass probation Failed probation

Extend probationary period by 6 months

Professional development needs highlighted following observation:

Observee comments:

Approved: 1st October 2018

Appendix 1 UKPSF

Areas of Activity Core Knowledge Professional values

A1 Design and plan learning activities K1 The subject material V1 Respect individual learners and diverse learning
and/or programmes of study communities
A2 Teach and/or support learning K2 Appropriate methods for teaching and learning in V2 Promote participation in higher education and
the subject area and at the level of the academic equality of opportunity for learners
programme
A3 Assess and give feedback to learners K3 How students learn, both generally and within V3 Use evidence-informed approaches and the
their subject/disciplinary area(s) outcomes from research, scholarship and
continuing professional development
A4 Develop effective learning, K4 The use and value of appropriate learning V4 Acknowledge the wider context in which higher
environments and approaches to technologies education operates recognising the implications
student support and guidance for professional practice
A5 Engage in continuing professional K5 Methods for evaluating the effectiveness of
development in subjects/disciplines and teaching
their pedagogy, incorporating research,
scholarship and the evaluation of
professional practices
K6 The implications of quality assurance and quality
enhancement for academic and professional
practice with a particular focus on teaching

Approved: 1st October 2018

APPENDIX 2: Summary of Performance

Performance summary:

The summary is to be completed at the end of probation,. The summary should include a judgement related to not meeting, meeting or exceeding
expectations.

Approved: 1st October 2018

Probation Summary

Domain 1: Session Content UKPSF Does not Meets Exceeds

Ref meet Expectations Expectations
expectations
Shows good command of subject matter as appropriate for HE level for student group A1
Subject matter is drawn from relevant scholarship, research, professional experience A2
Shows good command of the subject matter for the teaching and learning strategy of the session A5
K1
K2
V3
V4
Domain 2: Management and Organisation Does not Meets Exceeds
meet Expectations Expectations
expectations
Organises learning activities and subject matter A1
Evidence of thorough planning and preparation of learning activities and subject matter K1
Evidence of clear and well thought through learning objectives and structure K4
Learning is related (where appropriate) to learning resources used in the session and/or pre/post K6
session on the VLE
Demonstrates ability to manage transitions between activities and maintains good order
Domain 3: Teaching and Learning Does not Meets Exceeds
meet Expectations Expectations
expectations
Demonstrates enthusiasm for subject and for teaching A3
Encourages participation and reflection as appropriate A4
Provides clear explanations and appropriate intellectual challenge K2
K3
Domain 4: Awareness and Accessibility Does not Meets Exceeds
meet Expectations Expectations
expectations
Exhibits positive and inclusive interaction with students together with sensitivity to students’ A3
individual learning styles, cultural and educational background, gender differences and disabilities, A4
responding appropriately to student contributions K2
Creates an appropriate learning environment K5

Approved: 1st October 2018

Checks understanding and provides feedback V1
Ability to reflect upon teaching, learning and assessment strategies
Domain 5: Student Engagement Does not Meets Exceeds
meet Expectations Expectations
expectations
Active learning and engagement evident with appropriate interaction and participation by students K3
Encouragement and support for extending learning both during and outside of the session e.g. use K4
of VLE V2

Approved: 1st October 2018