Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

Classroom Asessment: Guidelines For Success, Thomas A. Angelo

Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education: Archives

This essay defines and gives examples of Classroom Assessment and Classroom Research and provides guidelines for faculty based upon 15 years of research and practice.

Environmental And Social Responsibility Rhetoric Of Nike And Reebok, Nancy Landrum

Faculty Research at Morehead State University

Using the play "Tamara" as a metaphor, Landrum shows how the sharing of stories helps construct an image of what is happening in the athletic apparel industry. The rhetoric of Nike and Reebok from their letters to shareholders is reviewed.

"We Are Going To Chattanooga": The Diary Entries Of Private Van Buren Oldham, April 14, 1863 To September 21, 1863, Dieter C. Ullrich

Faculty Research at Morehead State University

From April 14th to September 21st, 1863 Private Van Buren Oldham of Company G, 9th Tennessee Volunteers, served as a Confederate infantryman in the Army of Tennessee. During those five months he was one of many soldiers that helped build the defenses about Chattanooga, marched with Gen. Braxton Bragg to confront the Federal Army in southeast Tennessee and fought the bloody Battle of Chickamauga. Private Oldham arrived in Chattanooga as a parolee from a Union prison camp and would leave as a wounded combatant attempting to recapture the city.

The National Honors Report, Volume Xxii, Number 3, Fall 2001

The National Honors Report

Cover Story

"Highlights" by Rosalie Otero ... 1 From Conference Planner, Rosalie Otero, about the upcoming conference, "Fields of Discovery." Otero says, "[o]ur conference offers fields of discovery to participants in the conference. Honors Programs are sites where we discover new academic fields, explore links between them, and stimulate field-based leaming .... Chicago's diverse ethnic neighborhoods, museums, public art, education and research facilities, and business enterprises invite many fields of exploration that have bearing on honors education." Conference at a Glance by Rosalie Otero … 2

A Special Invitation

1. "2001 NCHC Conference Session on Honors Advising" by Bob Spurrier …

The National Honors Report, Volume Xxii, Number 1, Spring 2001

The National Honors Report

Cover Story

"NCHC Stepping Stones: Imagination, Ideas, Discovery" by Joan Digby …1 In her presidential address, Joan Digby, whose conference was titled "The World of Imagination," has always been interested in the creative process. For Digby, honors education is life-long learning, a honing of skills made possible by honors that allow us to march through those open fields of discovery.

Teaching

1. "Design Your Own Space Mission" by Carol Browning …4 Browning, Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, describes an honors section of a science research for non-majors. A good example of using faculty resources to share …

Brief 4: Department Chairs Discuss Post-Tenure Review, New England Resource Center For Higher Education, University Of Massachusetts Boston

New England Resource Center for Higher Education Publications

Within any college and university, it is in the academic department where most of the work is accomplished in educating students and carrying out the institution's academic mission. Department chairs are at the front lines of policy implementation. At a recent meeting members of NERCHE’s Department Chairs Think Tank weighed in on what they have learned from their experiences with post-tenure review (PTR) policies.

High School Students' Perceptions Of Evolutionary Theory, C. Sheldon Woods, Lawrence C. Scharmann

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

If we are to be successful in teaching evolution, we must take into account our students' worldviews as well as their individual understandings and misconceptions. It is im-portant to know our students their cultures, personal his-tories, cognitive abilities, religious beliefs, [and] scientific misconceptions. [It is also important] to address directly the likely cultural/religious concerns with evolution and to do so early on so as to break down the barriers that keep many students from hearing what you say. (Smith, 1994, p. 591)

Smith penned these words for a special issue of the Journal of Research in Science Teaching which focused …

Validating The Draw-A-Science-Teacher-Test Checklist (Dastt-C): Exploring Mental Models And Teacher Beliefs, Julie A. Thomas, Jon E. Pedersen, Kevin Finson

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

The National Science Education Standards [National Research Council (NRC), 1996] encourage science learning as an active, inquiry-based activity that children do rather than something that is done to them. Following the explicit goal of the standards to establish scientific literacy for all, students are expected to participate in hands-on and minds-on learning experiences that reflect the intellectual traditions of contemporary science. Standards-based lessons involve children in inquiry-oriented investigations, help them to establish connections, encourage questions, promote problem solving, and support group discussions. In the words of the standards, "Emphasizing active science learning means shifting away from teachers presenting information and …

The National Honors Report, Volume Xxii, Number 2, Summer 2001

The National Honors Report

COVER STORY

"Growing More Than Corn" by Daniel Abben, Lynn Cunningham, Shauna Duffy, Julie Kretzmer, Jason McLaughlin, Mary Beth Pistulka, Katy Rose Resnick, Alexa Spencer & Emily Wolf ... 1 Nine honors students from Clarke College, Dubuque, Iowa in required two-semester honors colloquium create their own website about multiculturalism and diversity in Iowa. With Katherine "Katie" Fischer, instructor. The philosophy and process (and its many zigs and zags) behind it. Website based on students' individual research topics, which include Orthodox Hasidic Jews in Postville, IA; women's role in Catholic church; militia groups; and minorities in honors programs. Presented at the …

The National Honors Report, Volume Xxi, Number 4, Winter 2001: Classics Ii

The National Honors Report

1. "Issues in Honors” by Robert C. Angel… 1 Reprinted from The Superior Student Vol. 3, No.4 (May/June 1960): 18-24. A 1960's presentation which raises concerns faced now, forty years later: admission, enrichment or acceleration, for example. Angell poses questions, makes suggestions based on his experience but always puts forth an alternative point of view for consideration. A thoughtful presentation. For newcomers to honors as well as faculty and directors in established programs.

2. "[T]he ICSS 1959” by Joseph W. Cohen… 6 Reprinted from The Superior Student Vol. 2, No.6 (October 1959): 3-5. From an opening address by one ofthe …

Strategies To Improve Critical Thinking Skills In High School Students, Alan Smith

Perspectives In Learning

At this time, there is no abstract.

A Psychoeducational And Support Group For Parents Of Add/Adhd Children, Kenya Gilmore

Perspectives In Learning

The purpose of the group for ADHD parents is to (1) educate the parents on the symptoms ofADHD, (2) teach the parents some behavior management techniques, (3) help the parents to understand the ADHD child so that they can manage them, (4) provide a safe place for disclosure and support for the parents. The group will be set up as a psychoeducation / support group because it will be held in an educational setting with its main goals to educate parents and to provide a source of support to these parents.

Negotiating A Labyrinth: Uncovering Meaning Through Biography, Floretta Thornton-Reid

Perspectives In Learning

Biographical method is one of “several intellectual disciplines that make use of life writing” (Smith, 1994, p. 286). However, biographies are probably better described as an interdisciplinary methodology that incorporates several approaches to qualitative research including but not limited to life history, narrative analysis, case study, historical social science, grounded theory and ethnography (Marshall & Rossman, 1999; Riessman, 1993; Atkinson, 1998). In laymen’s terms, a biography can be understood as the written history of a person’s life. Thus the life history or narrative story of a person is a key biographical concept. Controversy has long surrounded life history. Runyan (1982a) …

My First Day Of School, Martha Hall

Perspectives In Learning

Dr. Martha Hall shares the reflections of a five year old girl regarding her first day of school. The details tell the reader that the first day of school for the girl happened in the distant past: Sawdust on the floors, new feed sack dress, etc. Perhaps the girl's observations can be understood by students of every generation.

Preface, Volume 19 (2001), Devorah Lieberman

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Preface to volume 19 (2001) of To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development, written by Devorah Lieberman of Portland State University.

Introduction, Volume 19 (2001), Devorah Lieberman

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Introduction to volume 19 (2001) of To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development, written by Devorah Lieberman of Portland State University.

Ethical Guidelines For Educational Developers

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Ethical guidelinesfor educational developers prepared by Mintz, Smith, and Warren, January 1999, revised March 1999, September 1999, and March 2000.

Fostering The Scholarship Of Teaching And Learning: Communities Of Practice, Barbara L. Cambridge

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

September 1999, and March 2000.

Transitions And Transformations: The Making Of Department Chairs, Irene W. D. Hecht

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

When we talk about a need for leadership in higher education, we are in fact demanding that chairs be leaders. Is there then another level of transition that is required today of those who become chairs? Is task mastery a guarantee of being a leader? If there are other adaptations needed, what might they be? That is the focus of this exploration. This chapter examines the theory behind leadership and applies to it models that are aligned with the leadership skills needed for successful chair leadership. This article specifically addresses the role of faculty developers in supporting department chairs in …

Education For Responsible Citizenship: A Challenge For Faculty Developers, Thomas Ehrlich

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Higher education professionals need clearer, stronger frameworks for the integration of both civic and moral learning and the more common cognitive learning that occurs in traditional classrooms. This article addresses when and why this author chose to focus on community service-learning as a way to reengage in direct work with students and other civic responsibilities. His discussion focuses on student acquisition of academic knowledge and skills through service-learning and the study of ethical dilemmas facing professionals in different fields. He proffers in-depth discussion on service-learning programs championed by the Carnegie Foundation and addresses how these programs working with faculty across …

A Prophet In Your Own Land? Using Faculty And Student Focus Groups To Address Issues Of Race, Ethnicity, And Gender In The Classroom, James Francisco Bonnilla, Patricia R. Palmerton

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

In this study, six focus groups of faculty and students addressed issues of how race, ethnicity, and gender affected their classroom experiences. Consistent themes emerged across all groups, including feeling unsafe and vulnerable, concerns about equity, power, and role modeling. As importantly, the research process itself became a vehicle for growth and change in the community at large, both inside and outside the classroom. Six recommendations are offered for those who seek innovative approaches to addressing race and gender in the classroom.

Faculty Learning Communities: Change Agents For Transforming Institutions Into Learning Organizations, Milton D. Cox

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

In my 20 years of faculty development, I have found faculty learning communities to be the most effective programs for achieving faculty learning and development. In addition, these communities build communication across disciplines, increase faculty interest in teaching and learning, initiate excursions into the scholarship of teaching, and foster civic responsibility. They provide a multifaceted, flexible, and holistic approach to faculty development. They change individuals, and, over time, they change institutional culture. Faculty learning communities and their “graduates” are change agents who can enable an institution to become a learning organization. In this article I introduce faculty learning communities and …

Doing Faculty Development As If We Value Learning Most: Transformative Guidelines From Research To Practice, Thomas Anthony Angelo

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

If producing high-quality student learning is American higher education’s defining goal, how can faculty development best contribute to its realization? In response to that question, this essay synthesizes theories, findings, and strategies from a variety of literatures into seven transformative ideas which, taken together, have the potential to make our mental models of and approaches to faculty development more effective. It also offers seven guidelines based on these ideas, as well as related, practical strategies for doing faculty development as if student learning matters most.

Higher–Level Learning: The First Step Toward More Significant Learning, L. Dee Fink

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

In order to design significant learning experiences far students, teachers first need to be able to formulate powerful and challenging goals for their courses. This essay describes a taxonomy of higher-level learning that consists of six kinds of learning: foundational knowledge, application, integration, the human dimension, motivation, and learning how to learn. The argument is made that this taxonomy goes beyond the familiar taxonomy of Benjamin Bloom and encompasses a wide range of goals that are currently advocated by many national organizations and scholars in higher education. The taxonomy can be used to design better courses, choose among alternative teaching …

Clarity In Teaching In Higher Education: Dimensions And Classroom Strategies, Nira Hativa

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

This essay presents research knowledge regarding the main dimensions of effective teaching in higher education, concentrating on clarity in teaching and its components—classroom behaviors and strategies that promote clear teaching. On this basis, I suggest arranging all dimensions and classroom strategies of effective teaching within a logical structure of interconnected teaching behaviors whose contribution to student learning is based on theory and research. The model organizes all dimensions and strategies of effective teaching in three hierarchical levels and is illustrated by successively breaking down clarity in teaching into intermediate dimensions and classroom behaviors and strategies. The model may help faculty …

Preparing Today's Faculty For Tomorrow's Students: One College's Faculty Development Solution, Patrick Nellis, Helen Clarke, Jacalyn Dimartino, David K. Hosman

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Valencia Community College in Orlando, Florida, has created a faculty development program underwritten for the past five years by a US Department of Education Title III Strengthening Institutions Grant. Our program rose from a deliberate desire to build active, collaborative faculty teams that would, in turn, build active, collaborative classrooms; our results demonstrate that faculty development programs based on observable and measurable outcomes can positively affect student academic performance and persistence. This essay details this faculty development project.

After Twelve Years Of Teaching The College–Teaching Course, Michael B. Paulsen

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

This essay provides a detailed presentation of the perspectives, approaches, activities, materials, and evaluative information that characterize and distinguish a formal, credit-earning, semester-long graduate course in college teaching. This report is based on the author’s experiences and reflections drawn from, and expressed after, 12 years of teaching the college-teaching course. Based on an intensive study of advances in theory and research related to teaching, learning, learners, and diversity; students engage in 1) actual teaching, in which they integrate learning theory and other pedagogical knowledge with the content knowledge of their own subject-matter areas; 2) extensive theory and research informed observation …

Faculty Development That Transforms The Undergraduate Experience At A Research University, Kathleen S. Smith

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Rethinking the undergraduate experience at research universities is a necessary goal for the new millennium according to the Boyer Commission on Educating Undergraduates (1998). Faculty development efforts provide a starting place for a transformation of the traditional teaching-learning model. This essay describes the faculty development support structure included in a FIPSE sponsored program to promote learning by inquiry. The Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO) at the University of Georgia meshes teaching and research so that undergraduate students become participants in the strengths of a research university by becoming part of a community of learners.

The Case For Sophisticated Course Syllabi, Michael J. Strada

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Just as the last thing a fish would notice is water, academics tend to overlook the value of a comprehensive course syllabus. It seems too prosaic for some instructors to take seriously. Despite operating largely in obscurity, a nascent body of literature appreciative of the syllabus’ latent potential is emerging. The distinguishing features of model syllabi are traced here, and their respective benefits analyzed. First and foremost, good syllabi enhance student learning by improving the way courses are taught. But the potential of syllabi can also be tapped by using them more prominently in the faculty evaluation process. Much slower …

The Role Of A Teaching Center In Curricular Reform, Constance Ewing Cook

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Instructional consultants can play a crucial role in curricular reform. They gather evaluation and assessment data about the current curriculum so that faculty decisions about improvements are based on empirical evidence. They organize and facilitate meetings and retreats at which faculty make curricular decisions, and they provide pedagogical expertise and resources to help with course design and enhancement. They also provide ongoing data for formative evaluation of the new curriculum. Examples from the University of Michigan’s Center for Research on Learning and Teaching illustrate instructional consultants’ contributions to the curricular reform process.