Assist Instructors To Become More Effective Teachers
The Professional and Academic Center for Excellence (PACE) was created to promote excellence in teaching among faculty.
Objective
Effective Teaching
Instructors who consult with PACE regarding their teaching will demonstrate effective teaching strategies.
Indicator
Active Learning
Research informs that using active learning activities in the college classroom increases student learning outcomes; the indicator will be use of active learning techniques.
Criterion
Active Learning Use
Individual faculty consulting with PACE will use at least one active learning strategy (e.g., small group interaction), during the academic year.
Finding
Active Learning Usage
Of the eleven consulters who were observed, eight or 73% used at least one active learning strategy. Some used more than one, so the average would be at least one.
Indicator
Teaching Effectiveness
Effective teaching will improve student perception of the instructor as indicated on the Individual Development and Educational Assessment (IDEA).
Criterion
Instructor Effectiveness
The score for Excellent Teacher and Excellent Course on IDEA results will increase for each individual participant in PACE consultation by one-quarter point (e.g., from 2.50 to 2.75).
Finding
IDEA Scores
The IDEA scores for Fall 2010 have yet to be posted. As soon as they are available, the scores for consulters evaluated in the previous semesters will be compared.
Indicator
Consultation
There were two faculty members who consulted PACE to improve their teaching the first year, seven the second year. The target is to increase the number of faculty who consult PACE.
Criterion
Faculty Consultation
The number of faculty consulters will increase from seven to 20.
Finding
An Increase
This year 13 instructors (both tenured and tenure-track) sought consultation with PACE. Eleven of the 13 requested classroom observations. Some of the observations were for several classes of one instructor. Thus, a total of 20 observations were conducted. If one adds the previous year's clients, PACE has reached 20 consulters.
Action
Teaching Effectiveness
PACE is obtaining more referrals for consultation, mostly from one college. It will be important to work with the deans from other colleges to encourage additional referrals. Several of the instructors had excellent activities during classes in which I observed. It was obvious instructors do not always use their skills because students would turn to me at some point and say, "Would you come every day?" Thus, motivating teachers to use their skills and interacting in a caring manner with students is something to foster.
Goal
Certify SHSU Teaching Assistants
The goal is provide a certification program for teaching assistants.
Objective
Teaching Assistant Certification
Graduate students attending the Teaching Assistant Certification Series will be able to demonstrate a variety of techniques presented during the series.
Indicator
Session Evaluations
There are six sessions. An evaluation is completed after each one.
Criterion
Identification Of Session Effectiveness
Participating TAs should be able to identify two teaching ideas and one idea each would like to incorporate into his/her teaching.
Finding
Session Responses
Depending on the session, between 50% and 100% could name at least two teaching ideas discussed. Between 83% and 100% could name at least one idea they could use in their teaching. The majority were happy with the length of the sessions. At least 83% rated satisfaction at 4 or 5.
Indicator
T. A. Certification Rubric
The rubric was devised to determine the effectiveness of the series from the teaching assistant's viewpoint.
Criterion
Completion Of Training Series
At least 80% of the teaching assistants will complete the certification series.
Finding
Program Completion
Five of six students completed all sessions for a 83% completion rate.
Criterion
Training Completion Rubric Score
The 80% of teaching assistants completing the training certification will score at least 70% on the Teaching Assistant Training Completion Rubric.
Finding
Overall Ratings
Of those completing the Training Completion Rubric, 83% scored above 80%. One attendee was unsatisfied with the training. Although she did not complain on each session evaluation, she voiced true dissatisfaction on the rubric. Another issue was that several students would be teaching the next semester but were not teaching the semester in which the series was offered.
Action
TA Certification
The number of teaching assistants increased slightly this year. The plan would be to increase attendance. The presenters were rated highly, so they will be invited to return. Better recruitment strategies will be necessary.
Goal
Professional Development For SHSU Staff
The goal is to include staff in professional development.
Objective
Stress Management Workshop For SHSU Staff
SHSU staff who attend a stress management workshop will be able to name at least one stress management strategy they plan to try.
Indicator
Workshop Evaluation
The evaluation requests that attendees list at least two ideas presented and one area in which they could employ immediately in their stress management.
Criterion
Stress Management
After staff attending the session, 80% will be able to name two facts learned about stress management 85% will be able to name one way they want to manage their stress. 85% will report satisfaction with the workshop
Finding
Stress Management Learning
87% of attendees could name at least two ideas presented during the training sessions. 90% named at least one stress management technique they could use right away. 95% rated their satisfaction with the training at either a 4 or 5.
Action
Staff Workshops
The Staff Council has been very helpful in requesting workshops on relevant topics for staff. The important task is to make sure staff are able to take something from the presentation they are able to use immediately.
Goal
New Faculty Investment
The goal is to present a yearly effective New Faculty Investment.
Objective
New Faculty Investment
New faculty attending the New Faculty Investment will be able to list at least one fact learned from each presentation.
Indicator
New Faculty Orientation To SHSU Services Evaluation
The evaluation requests a rating of how helpful the presentation was and listing at least one thing learned during the presentation.
Criterion
New Faculty Investment Evaluation Results
New faculty will be able to list at least one fact learned from each presentation. Additionally, at least 80% of attendees will rate each presentation as helpful.
Finding
New Faculty Investment Evaluation Results
As can be seen from attachments, the least effective was the Dean of Students; the most effective was the Office of Research and Special Programs (ORSP).
Action
Issues To Address
The ratings will be shared with previous presenters so that each one can determine how to improve the results. PACE will emphasize effectiveness.
On another note, the SAM Center reported that their number of new faculty who used the First Alert system doubled this year.