Peer Observation Groups: Background
Peer Learning Groups, also know as Peer Observation Groups (POGs) are interdisciplinary groups of staff members who voluntarily participate throughout the year in a professional learning experience that involved seeing the practice of their peers, and then meeting to reflect and apply strategies across disciplines. POGs offer staff a personalized, professional learning experience that is embedded into their daily experience at Elk Grove High School.
The groups were founded in the 2011-12 School year, and they continued through the 2014-15 school year in a similar format: a two-week cycles of observing a peer and then meeting to reflect and discuss applications to our own classes. We started out small. In 2011-12, 12 teachers participated in two Peer Observation Groups. The collaboration and professional learning was so meaningful, that in 2012-13 participation expanded to 33 staff members, participating in 5 Peer Observation Groups. During the 2013-14 school year, over 40 teachers particpated in 6 Peer Observation Groups. Participation continued strong during the 4th year; however, feedback from staff indicated a desire for more short term and flexible opportunities to visit classrooms, without having to commit to the two-week cycle.
So, in the 2015-16 school year, responding to staff feedback, we decided to change the format. The Collab Lab planned a series of Peer Observation Days giving teachers the opportunity to do 2-3 ten minute visits to a few classrooms and return to the Collab Lab that same period to debrief and share ideas. To learn more about this more flexible approach, please refer to this Collab Lab Blog post: Peer Observation Day at Elk Grove High School.
To learn more about our journey with Peer Observation Groups, please see the resources below:
The groups were founded in the 2011-12 School year, and they continued through the 2014-15 school year in a similar format: a two-week cycles of observing a peer and then meeting to reflect and discuss applications to our own classes. We started out small. In 2011-12, 12 teachers participated in two Peer Observation Groups. The collaboration and professional learning was so meaningful, that in 2012-13 participation expanded to 33 staff members, participating in 5 Peer Observation Groups. During the 2013-14 school year, over 40 teachers particpated in 6 Peer Observation Groups. Participation continued strong during the 4th year; however, feedback from staff indicated a desire for more short term and flexible opportunities to visit classrooms, without having to commit to the two-week cycle.
So, in the 2015-16 school year, responding to staff feedback, we decided to change the format. The Collab Lab planned a series of Peer Observation Days giving teachers the opportunity to do 2-3 ten minute visits to a few classrooms and return to the Collab Lab that same period to debrief and share ideas. To learn more about this more flexible approach, please refer to this Collab Lab Blog post: Peer Observation Day at Elk Grove High School.
To learn more about our journey with Peer Observation Groups, please see the resources below:
Peer Observation Group Resources
Presentation: Peer Observation Groups at Elk Grove High School: Our Journey 2011-2014
Peer Observation Notes: Blank Google Doc
Peer Observation Group Video Testimonials
Presentation: Peer Observation Groups at Elk Grove High School: Our Journey 2011-2014
Peer Observation Notes: Blank Google Doc
Peer Observation Group Video Testimonials
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