Urgh I have to have a performance review with head of section

[BurningRose]

Help. What does this mean? This year I have to have my annual review with a more senior member of the section. A small number of staff have to do this because of their performance indicators. I have done a huge amount of work for the dept this year, but some of my teaching scores are a bit low (compolsory module which I have since reviewed and refreshed). Apparently only a small number of staff will need to do this. I'm very worried and demotivated by this.

BurningRose I feel for you, that's not very nice, especially as compulsory horrible subjects like stats always get low reviews, however interesting and well done they are. I guess go in saying the kind of things you are saying here- that you have improved the course, listened to feedback and so forth. Contact the union rep if you feel it is unfair.

Thanks. I hadn't thought about the union. Its so weird as I'm a senior member of staff and part of my role is to help others with teaching.

Good luck OP. It seems cruel of your institution to do this sort of thing during the pandemic. Student comments don’t really reflect the true quality of the teaching and I find it unfair that they are given so much weight, especially given the research proving that these comments are often driven by bias.

I would take this as an opportunity to really showcase the things that you do well to someone high up and important. It is more surprising than it probably should be to me how absolutely little higher up people know about the contribution and achievements of their staff.

So just briefly address the low scores "yes, the scores were a bit disappointing, but I have taken on board the feedback and reviewed and refreshed the module for this year and I think it is going well" and moving on...

Do not going in defensively and do not get sucked into using up all your time in justification of one negative thing. Use the time and the opportunity to show off all the things you do well and all the contributions you make to someone who probably has no idea beyond a few numbers on a page.

@Pota2 and @Phphion thank you. I'm torn between highlighting the injustice of this and making a fuss and doing what @Phphion said and using it as an opportunity to showcase the huge contribution I've made recently.

I'm having trouble keeping a lid on my anger and rage.

I would do exactly as @Phphion suggests.
If you've done a huge amount of work then focus on the highlights from that.
Don't be defensive or angry, be confident and strong 💪