AME Brief Observation Teaching Tool

AME-BOTT

This tool is designed to guide teachers to receive peer-feedback in a low-stakes, easily accessible format. It can be used to provide feedback on teaching in any setting (clinical, large group, small group, procedure, etc.). The observation should be BRIEF - as much as time as it takes for the observer to solicit 3 specific feedback points (usually <10 minutes). After the teaching session, the observer and observee should set up a time for a feedback conversation. This will not be used in any formal assessments for the faculty member.

1. What should the observe and observer do prior to the observation?
   • Observee identifies 2-3 focused areas for the peer observer to provide feedback on
   • Arrange a time immediately after the observation to provide the confidential feedback in a quiet space
2. What should happen during the observation?
   • The peer observer should observe the teaching encounter
   • The observation can be integrated in a natural teaching workflow. For example, if you are already coteaching a session with a peer, that person can make for a natural peer observer!
3. What should happen after the observation?
   • Ideally, a brief feedback conversation between the observer and the observee should occur after the teaching observation.
   • If time does not permit for a conversation, then even written feedback (e.g. email, text) from the observer to the observee is better than nothing.
   • If time does permit for a feedback conversation, then we recommend the following format in the conversation.

1. Ask
   • Observer should ask for the observee’s self-appraisal of the teaching encounter. Ask for both strengths and areas for improvement in the pre-identified focus areas.
2. Discuss
   • Observer should provide specific feedback, focusing on areas requested by observee
   • Observer should limit feedback to two to three main points
   • Observer should share specific suggestions for improvement
3. Ask
   • Observer should allow time for the observee to respond to the feedback and to ask clarifying questions
4. Create an action plan
   • Observee should create an action plan to impact future teaching practice
   • The action plan should consist of one or two next steps
5. Record
   • Observee should record the feedback and action plan using the AME-BOTT

Where can I access more resources on peer observation?
Teaching Observation Program (TOP) website
Introduction to Peer Assessment of Teaching Workshop