Services

The following services are offered to individual faculty members by request:

Center Associates
Award-winning faculty, upon invitation, observe new and junior faculty to provide feedback on their teaching and, in turn, welcome faculty into their own classrooms for observation and subsequent discussion of teaching techniques and experiences.

Classroom videotaping
The Center, in cooperation with the Learning Resource Center, videotapes faculty conducting a class (approximately 15-20 minutes). In the self-guided version, the instructor is provided with guidelines for evaluating the tape. Following the guidelines in earnest enables the instructor to gain insights about teaching habits, teaching style and teaching effectiveness. If the instructor so wishes, after privately viewing the video, he or she may seek additional input by reviewing the video with Center staff.

Mid-term course analysis
Midway through a semester, Center staff meet with students during class time in the absence of the instructor to provide feedback to the instructor on teaching effectiveness. Information gleaned from the visit enables the instructor to make improvements and/or enhancements before the end of the course.

End-of-term course review
The Center provides the instructor with a list of specific questions about each of the courses taught during the semester. Answering the questions requires frank and honest responses that provide insight into the instructor's teaching philosophy, goals, methodology and style. This exercise is useful in preparing material for a Teaching Portfolio. The review also includes a discussion of student course evaluations and one-on-one consultation with Center staff.

Teaching Portfolio construction and review
The Teaching Portfolio is one of the best ways to evaluate and improve one's teaching. Construction of a Teaching Portfolio, constantly a work-in-progress, is a guaranteed way to assure teaching success. Center staff provide direction, via workshops and/or individual consults, in the definition and construction of the Portfolio, explaining its purpose, value and contents.

Private consultation
The Center Director and/or staff are available, by appointment, to discuss issues related to teaching, curricular or professional development.

Peer observation/faculty mentoring
The Center maintains a list of experienced faculty who are willing to observe and to provide commentary on colleagues' classes or to be observed themselves while teaching their classes. New faculty, in particular, are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities and to experiment with teaching methodologies and strategies under the guidance of senior faculty.

Syllabus review
The course syllabus is an essential document that reflects one's teaching philosophy, methodology and style. Center staff are available to review syllabi or to work with faculty in constructing the optimal construct.

Student outcomes assessment
Upon request, Center staff work with faculty to design a plan for evaluating student outcomes. This service includes, but is not limited to, review of course methodology and help in constructing and/or revising course tests and examinations. The Center maintains a collection of questionnaires that faculty can administer to students to gather information about the effectiveness of their teaching or their course.

Curriculum development and review
Upon request, Center staff advise or consult to faculty and CHP departments on curricular planning, development, review and evaluation.

Academic advising
The Center has compiled information and "tips" on academic advising for use by faculty. In addition to covering topics such as why students seek advising, student expectations, and advising "role traps," the publication identifies valuable websites devoted to advising. A copy of Academic Advising Tips is provided in Section 8 of this Handbook.

Library and dissemination of teaching/curricular information
The Center maintains a library of books and journals related to teaching and learning, curricular development and evaluation, and student outcomes assessment. The collection also contains a variety of sample textbooks and publishers' catalogues. The library is located in the Conference Room of Suite 1520, Edison. In addition, the Center distributes instructional newsletters and other materials to academic departments and key administrative offices.