OPT-in to Collaboration: Transforming Teaching Through Cross-Disciplinary Peer Observation

Peer review of teaching is widely valued; yet developmental, cross-disciplinary models remain under-researched in Australian higher education. This session presents findings from the 2024/25 evaluation of OPT-in (Observe a Peer Teaching Initiative) within the SoH, a non-evaluative peer observation program deliberately designed around collegiality rather than judgement. Since its 2024 launch, OPT-in has grown from 24 to 59 participants across twelve health disciplines, intentionally pairing colleagues from different fields to shift focus from content expertise toward shared pedagogical dialogue. Using a mixed-methods design (survey n = 23; interviews n = 8), we identified five themes spanning participants' experiences, challenges, collegiality, practice impact, and recommendations. Findings show 78% rated their experience as excellent or good, and 74% reported improved teaching practice, alongside rich accounts of cross-disciplinary connection, professional validation, and collegial ties that outlasted the formal cycle. The research manuscript is currently under review. This session shares what made OPT-in work and what we'd refine as a transferable model for collaborative, transformative professional learning.