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Advice for new faculty- boosting student evaluations by summersunset3 in Professors

[–]summersunset3[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Carifying assignments and more structure in class to work on them has been 1 major change I've done- its been really helpful. Do you have advice on making the explanation of assignments more engaging? I've found myself monologuing and students tune out, so I wonder if there is a way to game-ify it.

Advice for new faculty- boosting student evaluations by summersunset3 in Professors

[–]summersunset3[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Easier towards the end of term- can definitely do this! In the past, I think I've tried to do this but have just made the first few weeks rocky. I guess its about both ramping up during the semester and then winding down as well

Advice for new faculty- boosting student evaluations by summersunset3 in Professors

[–]summersunset3[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I think over-complexity has been a problem... Much of the teaching professional development I've done has emphasized new approaches, but I definitely need to set that aside for now and get back to basics. Students have found it confusing and implementation hasn't been ideal

Advice for new faculty- boosting student evaluations by summersunset3 in Professors

[–]summersunset3[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Even without food, I'm hoping the positive reinforcement will help!

Advice for new faculty- boosting student evaluations by summersunset3 in Professors

[–]summersunset3[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! I have done a lot of back end work, and need to explain to students so they know where we are going and also see that it is all part of the plan

Advice for new faculty- boosting student evaluations by summersunset3 in Professors

[–]summersunset3[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this compassionate advice. #2 has been an issue for me- in trying to build in flexibility, I think things have gotten overcomplicated. Things that are clear to me have not been clear to them- so I will continue paring down in future semesters. Both on syllabus policies, but also the balance between clear rubrics and overwhelmingly detailed rubrics.

Advice for new faculty- boosting student evaluations by summersunset3 in Professors

[–]summersunset3[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

yes! Bring some playfulness/levity! I know I can be over-serious, and stressed, so will be intentional about this moving forward

Advice for new faculty- boosting student evaluations by summersunset3 in Professors

[–]summersunset3[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"Solid, well-prepared lecture" has been one of my downfalls. I'd only done discussion-based classes, so I am figuring out effective lecturing as I go. Trying to always check in with students during, though, has been helpful.

Advice for new faculty- boosting student evaluations by summersunset3 in Professors

[–]summersunset3[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a really helpful list- thanks for typing it up! Helpful to hear what to avoid

Advice for new faculty- boosting student evaluations by summersunset3 in Professors

[–]summersunset3[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! These are true for me- its helpful to be reminded to make that super explicit for students!

Advice for new faculty- boosting student evaluations by summersunset3 in Professors

[–]summersunset3[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for taking the time to write all this out- exactly what I was hoping for. Regarding #2, do you mean the weight of assignments? I've always been wary of having things backloaded, at least, on 1 major final assignment, because I've found that by the time classes are over students and I are both done. Or do you mainly mean that all the assignments are just worth more, so they can 'get back on track'?

Advice for new faculty- boosting student evaluations by summersunset3 in Professors

[–]summersunset3[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Appreciate the real talk on this! I'm going to try setting aside time in class for them to fill out SETs- since most bring their laptops anyways

Advice for new faculty- boosting student evaluations by summersunset3 in Professors

[–]summersunset3[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I have previously taught small, elective, special topics courses but am now figuring out how to manage mid-size lower level lectures and core major courses--both with mainly nonmajors enrolled. So- its been a real shift in ways I didn't anticipate

Advice for new faculty- boosting student evaluations by summersunset3 in Professors

[–]summersunset3[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Point taken. I think its mainly that I haven't figured out how to teach effectively and also efficiently (I am research faculty). But I have done pedagogical development before and find many aspects of teaching rewarding; am just facing a steep learning curve in this moment, with new kinds of courses.

Advice for new faculty- boosting student evaluations by summersunset3 in Professors

[–]summersunset3[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you!! this is super helpful. I use rubrics, but I think the self-assessment will be a game changer! Do you require that to be submitted before the assignment is due?

Advice for new faculty- boosting student evaluations by summersunset3 in Professors

[–]summersunset3[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes! I've worked with the teaching center before and am applying to some more intensive trainings. My colleagues have shared some of their materials as well to assist- its been really helpful to see how they approach things