~ Teaching Consultation~

 

              What is Teaching Consultation?

• Teaching consultation is a voluntary process through which a teacher requests advice and feedback from a trained teaching consultant. The consultant provides the teacher with information, helps the teacher to establish concrete goals, and gives feedback based on classroom observation and other feedback devices.

• The consultant and instructor meet to discuss the process and the "client’s" teaching concerns. The consultant observes the client teaching several classes, videotapes a class, and administers a student questionnaire that produces a detailed statistical analysis of the student’s views of the instructor. The consultant and the colleague review the collected "data" and identify strengths and weaknesses or areas for further exploration. Together they establish concrete goals for improvement. The consultant continues to monitor the class and, eventually, collects additional data, which is analyzed by the consultant and the instructor. Consultation is confidential and completely separate from the evaluation process.

Why Should You Become a Client?

• Teaching consultation is a wonderful opportunity for professional development. Both new and more practiced instructors find the process helpful. You will receive valuable feedback about your teaching which could not be obtained in any other fashion. You may find answers to long-standing questions about your students or your teaching style. Ideally, you will end the semester with increased confidence in the techniques you have chosen to use. Along the way you should find your own skills of teaching analysis have improved and your ability to give feedback to other colleagues has been enhanced. Finally, you will receive 10 hours of Flex credit for your participation in the consultation process.

How Do You Become a Client?

• The process is completely voluntary. If you are interested, please contact one of the consultants and express an interest. The consultants are limited to two clients each semester. If a consultant is not available, you may contact a different consultant or make arrangements for a future semester.

• We currently have three consultants: Sally Didrickson, Dean of the Math/Science Division; Joe Gerda, Professor of Mathematics and Chairperson of the Math Department; and Russell Richardson, Professor of Political Science and Chairperson of the Political Science Department.

• If you have questions about the specifics of teaching consultation or the procedures described above, please contact Russell Richardson at X 3387.