Instructional
Development Program
Individual Consultation
Individual Consultation is the
cornerstone of the Instructional Development Program. We work with instructors
seeking both general consultation on how they might strengthen their
instruction and specific consultation on particular issues or questions. All
consultation activities are strictly confidential, an arrangement protected by
Faculty Senate resolution and supported by the Office of the Provost.
For instructors seeking
consultation on how to improve instruction, we offer a systematic process
designed to look closely at a particular course or courses, to identify what
seems to be working well and what might merit attention, and to experiment with
strategies for increasing student learning. Consultation activities vary from
person to person, of course, but we typically begin by:
* reviewing course materials
(syllabus, texts, assignments, and exams),
* observing (and
videotaping if the instructor wishes) at least one class meeting,
* collecting and
analyzing student feedback.
In follow-up meetings, the
consultant and instructor work together to review and interpret information
collected, brainstorm things to try, develop action plans, and design ways to
assess experimental efforts.
We also welcome opportunities to
consult with instructors about specific questions or issues they identify.
Faculty frequently contact us with questions such as:
* I'm thinking
about trying a new assignment. Can I run the idea by you?
* I've discovered
an incident of cheating. Can we talk before I take action?
* I'm teaching an introductory
course for the first time in a long time. I'd like some advice about what I can
expect from first-year students.
* I'm going to
teach an on-line course. Any advice?
Instructors may find general
suggestions about several such issues in the "Resources" section, but
often it is helpful to talk about these matters in the context of a specific
course.
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