Four Ways that 360 Degree Feedback Benefits Instructors

As the Training Experience Management (TEM) framework suggests, effective teaching assessment needs to go beyond course evaluations. To accurately evaluate teaching and learning, reviews should include both student achievement and teaching practice in a holistic approach.

Instead of relying on one metric, course surveys should be combined with other learning measures plus independent 360 feedback peer reviews. Research indicates that using multiple data sources provides a more accurate measure of teaching quality. Today’s blog post will focus specifically on how 360 degree feedback evaluations can benefit instructors.

1. Self-assessment:

   One of the most effective ways for an individual to improve is through reflection. The self-assessment in 360 feedback allows instructors to evaluate themselves on a number of criteria. This enables instructors to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Self-assessment and self-observation allow an instructor to reflect on their goals and teaching practices. The self-evaluation also provides a benchmark to compare with the data provided by other raters in the review.

2. Comprehensive feedback:

   360 degree evaluations provide instructors with a comprehensive view of their behavior and actions. While course assessments solicit just student feedback, 360 reviews gather insights from a variety of relevant stakeholders. Stakeholders that can be involved in the 360 process are: senior administration, colleagues, teaching assistants, support staff, students, etc. The feedback provided from multiple perspectives offers a more complete and balanced picture. Multi-rater feedback also helps lessen any bias, which improves the quality of the data.

3. Peer review:

   Colleagues provide a unique perspective and can evaluate teaching quality in a deeper way than other rater groups. Peer reviews yield useful information that can help instructors improve teaching and learning in their courses. A study performed by MetLife (2009) indicated that over 90% of teachers felt that their colleagues contributed to their success and effectiveness. Peer feedback can be obtained on teaching materials, course plans and through classroom observation. These reviews are a valuable way to identify teacher leaders and also instructors that could benefit from development opportunities (learning, coaching, mentoring, etc.).

4. Continuous improvement:

   360 degree feedback is ideal for improvement because it measures behaviors and competencies that can be used for training and development. The commitment to continuous improvement begins with the instructor and their teaching goals. The 360 degree self-assessment and multi-rater feedback helps the teacher identify key areas of improvement. It is recommended that instructors create a plan that focuses on improving 1-2 competencies through development opportunities (training, self-learning, coaching, etc.).