Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

From Sgid And Gift To Bbq: Streamlining Midterm Student Evaluations To Improve Teaching And Learning, Margaret K. Snooks, Sue E. Neeley, Kathleen M. Williamson

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Faculty members want feedback about ways to improve learning. Midterm assessments are more useful than end-of-term student evaluations. Not all institutions provide faculty development consultants. This chapter presents an innovative process appropriate for institutions currently without teaching enhancement centers. The Bare Bones Questions (BBQ) process consists of empathic trained colleagues facilitating students’ evaluative discussions. Students and faculty members are overwhelmingly positive about the process piloted for the past three years. Students’ suggestions can include simple changes in classroom environment or enhanced sensitivity to cultural diversity. BBQ may build intra-institutional collegiality by reducing the isolation of teaching.

A Versatile Interactive Focus Group Protocol For Qualitative Assessments, Barbara J. Millis

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

A highly flexible focus group protocol captures efficiently and economically useful data for immediate and longitudinal course and program assessment. Special features include an index card activity that deals with satisfactions levels and a Roundtable/Ranking activity that allows participant-generated judgments about the most positive and the most negative features of a course or program. These latter activities, with data displayed in an Excel histogram and in a colored-coded Word table, can be used for what is called a “Quick Course Diagnosis” (QCD).

A Transformative Model For Designing Professional Development Activities, David J. Langley, Terence W. O'Connor, Michele M. Welkener

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

A new model for professional and organizational development is presented based on concepts derived from Wilber (2000) and Astin (2001). The model consists of an individual/public dimension and a reflection/performance dimension. Four quadrants that result from connecting these dimensions are formed: 1) individual reflection, 2) public reflection, 3) individual performance, and 4) public performance. We believe this model offers faculty developers a framework for designing thoughtful programs to aid faculty in meeting the wide range of internal and external demands that confront higher education institutions.

Problem–Based Service–Learning: Rewards And Challenges With Undergraduates, Kenneth France

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Students in three Abnormal Psychology sections participated in problem-based service learning (PBSL). Desired learning outcomes included humanizing persons diagnosed with mental health disorders and more fully appreciating challenges experienced by such individuals. Students completing the PBSL projects evidenced decreased negative feelings and increased positive feelings toward consumers of mental health services. According to the community partners, students made valuable contributions to both the organizations and the mental health consumers served by those organizations. Students saw the activity as being challenging and rewarding.

Effective Peer Evaluation In Learning Teams, Debbie Williams, Doug Foster, Bo Green, Paul Lakey, Raye Lakey

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Evaluating student performance in learning teams is challenging. This chapter reviews the student learning team and peer evaluation literature. The authors share the results of their experience using four rubrics for peer evaluation in student learning teams. Student learning teams involve forming students into teams for the semester to enhance their active learning. A portion of the course grade is dedicated to team quizzes, activities, and projects. The authors conclude that peer evaluation data should be used both formatively and summatively to enhance team cohesion and accountability and provide their preferred rubric for the peer evaluation process. Usage of forced …

An International Perspective On Assessing Group Projects, Deborah Willis, Barbara J. Millis

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

The value of group work for enhancing learning is well documented. However, to maximize the impact of group work on student learning, faculty should carefally consider course design and assessment. This chapter draws on research, policy, and practice from the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to emphasize the importance of adopting an integrated approach to group work through careful planning. Guidelines emphasize ways to provide for the responsive, responsible assessment of group projects.

The Hesburgh Certificate And Portland State University's Faculty Development Approach To Supporting Service Learning And Community–University Partnerships, Kevin Kecskes, Amy Spring, Devorah Lieberman

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Service learning now has a prominent home in hundreds of diverse campuses across the nation. Developing service-learning expertise and other community-campus partnership enhancement strategies for faculty requires innovation. Recently, Portland State University’s Center for Academic Excellence received the Theodore M. Hesburgh Certificate of Excellence for Community-University Partnerships. This chapter outlines the center’s three-tiered approach to supporting and sustaining civic engagement practices that are sensitive to individual needs on campus and in the community, while also working toward ongoing departmental and institutional transformation.

Making Adjunct Faculty Part Of The Academic Community, Karen R. Krupar

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Hundreds of adjunct faculty in four-year colleges and universities teach over 45% of the courses, especially in the general education programs, but few institutions have chosen to construct adjunct faculty development programs that integrate these faculty into the instructional community. Metropolitan State College of Denver, recipient ofa Title III grant to build an adjunct development program received a TIA-CREF Hesburgh Award of Excellence in 2001 for its innovative adjunct support activities. This chapter articulates the features of this successful program and its effect on the adjunct faculty cohort at the college.

Bibliography, Volume 22 (2004)

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Bibliography for volume 22 (2004) of To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development.

doi: 10.3998/tia.17063888.0022.023

Preface, Volume 23 (2004), Sandra Chadwick-Blossey

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Preface to volume 23 (2004) of To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development, by Sandra Chadwisk-Blossey of Rollins College.

About The Authors, Volume 23 (2004)

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

About the authors of articles in volume 23 (2004) of To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development.

Introduction, Volume 23 (2004)

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Introduction to volume 23 (2004) of To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development.

Transforming The Environment For Learning: A Crisis Of Quality, Lion F. Gardiner

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

This chapter addresses academic leaders and summarizes research findings on the conditions needed to produce learning and student development in higher education at the level required by society, and our relative success in doing this. It attempts to make clear the urgency for change that exists in the way in which we conduct our educational affairs. It describes the causes of less-than-optimal learning, outlines 10 key elements for effectively managing learning in complex institutions, presents eight steps required to lead a successfull transformation in an institution or unit, and provides resources with detailed information and guidance.

The Institutional Change Agency: The Expanding Role Of Academic Support Centers, Robert M. Diamond

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Higher education is going through significant changes stimulated by the rapid growth of the internet, tht increasing globalization of hightr education, and the ever-pressing question of institutional quality. New modts of educational dtlivery through virtual networks art breaking the traditional mold of instructional provision. New players, new pedagogies, and new paradigms are redefining higher education. The rules art changing, and there is increased pressure on institutions of higher education to evolve, adapt, or desist.

Leading Change: Creating A Culture Of Assessment, Patricia M. Dwyer

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

In Leading Change, John Kotter (1996) outlines an eight-step process to effect major organizational change. At Shepherd College, the assessment process that evolved into a culture of assessment mirrors the sttps that Kotter describes. In 1998, Shepherd College found itself in a predicament that many colleges and universities can relate to: slated for an accreditation visit in 2002 with campus assessment efforts stalled at every turn. A new director organized an assessment task force, established a template for assessment plans and reports, and began grassroots education about assessment. Over the four years, a vision that aligned assessment with improving student …

Evidence Of The Transformational Dimensions Of The Scholarship Of Teaching And Learning: Faculty Development Through The Eyes Of Sotl Scholars, Connie M. Schroeder

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

This analysis began ftom two unlikely starting points: a favorite Marcel Proust quote below that has nothing to do with faculty development, but could, and Pat Hutchings (2000) descriptive quote, “The scholarship of teaching and learning [SoTL]is characterized by a transformational agenda” (p. 8). Do SoTL faculty development programs faster transformation? Is there evidence of a transformational process and transformative learning? The project summaries of eight SoTL scholars were analyzed for evidence of transformation. The evidence for transformation of landscapes of learning, teaching, scholarship, and self are explored ftom SoTL scholars’ perspectives in a faculty development program, providing insight into …

The Roles Of Teaching And Learning Centers, Alan C. Frantz, Steven A. Beebe, Virginia S. Horvath, Joann Canales, David E. Swee

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

This chapter shares findings from a survey of teaching and learning centers on college and university campuses in the United States. Topics addressed include organizational infrastructure, assessment and accountability, factors/challenges contributing to successful implementation, and a list of functions and program offerings found in teaching and learning centers across the country.

Looking At Ourselves: The Quality Of Life Of Faculty Development Professionals, Kathleen T. Brinko, Sally S. Atkins, Marian E. Miller

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Responses to a questionnaire revealed that faculty development professionals typically juggle several roles—which they find to be energizing—and typically balance multiple challenges and stressors—which they feel they handle well. These faculty developers are enthusiastic about and, in many cases, sustained by their work because they find opportunities for lifelong learning, professional growth, and meaningful work.

The Hue And Cry Of Campus Climate: Faculty Strategies For Creating Equitable Work Environments, Christine M. Cress, Jennifer L. Hart

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Quantitative and qualitative data from faculty at a large public research university provide contrasting work lift experiences for faculty of color and white faculty. Significant differences are evident regarding teaching and research, institutional priorities, individual goals, job satisfaction, and sources of stress. Specific faculty strategies for creating equitable environments are highlighted.

Exploring The Inner Landscape Of Teaching: A Program For Faculty Renewal, Libby Falk Jones

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

To improve the quality of faculty lift, Berea College developed a yearlong program exploring teaching as a vocation. Sixteen faculty from different departments participated in the series of seven experiential, dialogic sessions. Participants reported experiencing increased empathy and patience, deeper engagement with their work, a stronger sense of community, and encouragement to meet the challenges of being educators.

Using Data To Enhance College Teaching: Course And Departmental Assessment Results As A Faculty Development Tool, Catherine M. Wehlburg

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

This article highlights the need for using assessment of student learning outcomes data to guide reaching-related farolty development decision-making. Literature on the topic suggests that using assessment results to inform faculty development discussions makes better use of both the assessment data and the time spent in faculty development. Feedback and consultations regarding feedback seem to be important variables in determining if changes in teaching will occur. Types of assessment data that may especially inform reaching-related conversations are discussed.

A Vision Beyond Measurement: Creating An Integrated Data System For Teaching Centers, Kathryn M. Plank, Alan Kalish, Stephanie V. Rohdieck, Kathleen A. Harper

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Assessing the work of teaching and learning centers is crucial to maintain the support of our institutions; however, collecting and interpreting the right data can be a challenge. This chapter explores practical strategies for integrating assessment into daily work flow in order to generate information that accurately measures our impact, helps others understand and value our work, and enables us to improve what we do, without creating a major “add-on” task. We discuss ways to measure, track, and report work, and share means to use data for both summative and formative purposes that we hope will make the work of …

Achieving A Campus Consensus On Learning–Centered Teaching: Process And Outcomes, Phyllis Blumberg, Everett Justin

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Fifty faculty and staff members attended a consensus conference on learning-centered teaching. Within small groups, participants agreed that 1) this approach develops student responsibility for their learning; 2) a consistently implemented philosophy yields a culture of learning-centered teaching, and 3) graduates of such programs become lifelong learners, self-directing, self-initiating leaders. Not all participants agreed that they could fully implement this method. They emphasized that support by administrators is a prerequisite to making changes in teaching approaches. However, the conference effectively determined levels of agreement and stimulated discussion. Results were consistent with the literature on learning-centered teaching.

Teaching Partners: Improving Teaching And Learning By Cultivating A Community Of Practice, Richard A. Holmgren

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

The Teaching Partners Program and its follow-up activities demonstrate that a carefully designed faculty tkvelopment program can shift a campus culture to derive significant, measurable benefits for faculty and students. The program seeks to transform the imtitutional culture from one in which teaching is sequestered behind closed doors to one that supports substantive conversations about both the learning-teaching process and the methods by which that process might best be facilitated. Following Shulman’s (1993) lead, the program opens the doors of the classroom, reenvisions teaching as community property, and nurtures informed and sustaining discussion of teaching.

Whispers And Sighs: The Unwritten Challenges Of Service–Learning, Rona J. Karasik

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Documentation of the benefits of service-learning abound, and published case studies of successful service-learning programs may be found for a variety of disciplines. Faculty new to service-learning, however, are likely to find themselves facing a variety of unexpected challenges. While these challenges are neither insurmountable nor unknown to experienced service-karning practitioners, they can make starting a service-learning program remarkably time-consumingand unnecessarily frustrating. Unfortunately. pitfalls and program flops are rarely published. This chapter forewarns some of the challenges associated with service-learning and offers realistic approaches to dealing with them successfully.

Junior Faculty Participation In Curricular Change, Judi Hetrick

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Participation in curriculum change can be both a necessity and a professional landmine for junior faculty members. They do not, however, have to choose between sitting on the sidelines or sacrificing young careers by working for large-scale change. This chapter presents the elements of successful curriculum change, roles junior faculty can play, and roles they should avoid—or accept with caution.

Assessing The Academic And Professional Development Needs Of Graduate Students, Laurie Bellows, Ellen Weissinger

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

This article describes the results of a survey that assessed the self-perceived career goals and academic and professional development needs of master’s and doctoral-level graduate students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Both graduate students (n = 440) and graduate program coordinators (n = 23) were surveyed to provide an empirical basis for developing a strategic plan for graduate student academic and professional development activities. Results suggested that doctoral and master’s students express different developmental needs, and that doctoral students’ needs differed at different stages of their academic career. Implications for practice inherent in the survey findings are discussed, and the …

Faculty Development In Community Colleges: A Model For Part–Time Faculty, Mary Rose Grant

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Historically, part-time faculty have not received the same development opportunities as fall-time faculty. This study surveyed current practices in faculty development for both full-time and part-time faculty in 232 public two-year colleges throughout the United States. Over 90% reported that they had a formal faculty development program for both faculty cohorts, funded with 1%–5% of their operating budgets. About one half of the colleges designated a faculty development coordinator, used needs assessment to determine program content, and evaluated program outcomes. Results of this study were used to design a generic model for part-time faculty development.

Entertaining Strangers: Providing For The Development Needs Of Part–Time Faculty, Patricia Hanrahan Valley

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

For institutions of higher education that have increasingly relied upon part-time faculty members to meet the needs of a rapidly changing society, the challenge has been to provide adequate preparation and development opportunities for these instructors, many of whom have never taught before. This study investigated the characteristics of the part-time faculty. the extent to which they believed they had been oriented by the institution to assume their teaching roles, and their reported need for selected professional development activities at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Extended Campus, an institution employing more than 2,800 adjuncts. The data provided by the needs assessment were …

Promoting A Sound Process For Teaching Awards Programs: Appropriate Work For Faculty Development Centers, Nancy Van Note Chism

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Examination of a sample of teaching awards programs at colleges and universities in the United States shows that the selection process for most is not based on explicit criteria, evidence that matches the criteria, and announced standards for making judgments about the candidates. If teaching awards programs are to be effective on any level, whether serving as a symbol of institutional commitment, affirming good teachers, or inspiring others to teach well, the quality of their selection process must be credible. This chapter provides recommendations for how faculty development centers can help their institutions to craft a selection process that will …