For example an Assistant Lecturer may have little influence over the lecture content but could gain valuable teaching evaluation data from a peer review of the effectiveness of student learning from tutorial presentations. Each source has particular strengths and weaknesses. These are briefly outlined together with an indication of possible ways of documenting and collecting information. They are less well placed to comment on the level of the content material and the academic integrity of the subject. Both present and past students may be asked to comment and the most common methods for obtaining comment are by questionnaires, focus group interviews and class representative panels.
Academic peers are well placed to comment on the level and academic integrity of the subject.
Unless specifically trained, they are less well placed to comment on the classroom experience. Academic peers from similar areas within the University, other institutions or professional bodies, are normally asked to comment on subject documentation and materials. They are normally asked to comment on subject documentation and materials but may also be asked to give formative feedback on classroom processes. Teachers are well placed to evaluate many aspects of the teaching of a subject through systematic self-review. However for a more complete picture other sources are also necessary.