Peer Observers: Ensuring Quality Instruction
Motorcycle Ohio uses the Peer Observer program to support and maintain quality within its instructor corps. Peer observers provide instructors with the tools to improve their teaching skills. The peer observers also benefit from the program by observing other instructors and participating in the Peer Observer workshops.

Goals
The Peer Observer Program is a resource provided to Motorcycle Ohio instructors with a purpose intended to:

  • Identify the instructor's teaching strengths and encourage their continued use to benefit the students. Identify areas needing improvement to enhance the instructor's capabilities. Provide the observer, as well as the instructor, with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Improve the instructors and the program through shared experiences and constructive feedback.

How the Program Works
Peer observers will attempt to observe every instructor on a periodic basis. The role of the peer observer is to assist the Instructor through careful observation, which allows the instructor to receive appropriate feedback as to how to improve their teaching ability.

  • Instructors may be observed during a classroom setting or a range / riding session.
  • Instructors will be notified before they are observed and asked for suggestions that will make the observation more effective.
  • The peer observer's role is to observe the instructor during classroom or range activities and then to record their observations. Peer observers will not participate in the actual teaching of the course.
  • The peer observer's role is to observe not correct, coach, or evaluate the students or the instructors.
  • The peer observer will make every effort to be inconspicuous during the observation.
  • Observation notes are based on a checklist similar to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Classroom and Range Observation Criteria.
  • The observations made by the peer observer will be shared with the instructor; normally, at the conclusion of the observation although other arrangements can be made.
  • The peer observer will then create a written report based on the observation and submit this report to Motorcycle Ohio where a chief instructor will review the observation report and make suggestions aimed at making the Instructor more effective.
  • This chief instructor feedback is then mailed to the instructor and the peer observer.
  • Instructors are encouraged to respond to any information contained in the written document from the chief instructor.

How to Become a Peer Observer

  • All peer observers are Motorcycle Ohio instructors.
  • Instructors must be on the "Approved" or pending list to be considered for the program.
  • Must obtain and complete an application form and return it to the Motorcycle Ohio office along with a recommendation from a training sponsor.
  • Application does not guarantee acceptance as a peer observer.
  • Peer observers will be selected based upon:
    • The instructor's experience
    • Sponsor's recommendation
    • Past instructional observations
    • Geographic need
    • Ability to provide the service and attend mandatory peer observer training sessions and workshops
  • Motorcycle Ohio reserves the right to restrict the number of peer observers.
  • The decision as to suitability for the peer observer program is solely the right of Motorcycle Ohio.
  • Peer observers must successfully complete a peer observer training session.
  • Peer observers are expected to perform between 4 and 8 observations per year. Generally, three observations per year is considered the minimum to remain an active peer observer.
  • Peer observers are paid a fixed amount for the observation and a travel and living allowance is provided. Contact the Motorcycle Ohio office for the current rates and limitations.

So what are you waiting for? Contact Motorcycle Ohio now and get started on the path to becoming a peer observer.