Teaching appraisal in higher education: an Australian perspective

The current literature on the evaluation of teaching in higher education institutions is reviewed critically and evaluated from an Australian perspective. The issues of what constitutes "good teaching" and how effective teaching can lead to quality in teaching are discussed together with the reasons for introducing appraisal systems. The "professional development" and "duties-based" models of teaching appraisal are summarized and assessed along with the various sources of information which can be used as inputs to the appraisal process. The problems associated with appraisal systems are identified and recommendations are made as to the design of appraisal systems which are valid, reliable and have high user acceptability.