Driver category | Description of category | Example comments |
---|---|---|
Expands on current practices | Faculty member or other colleague(s) have already adopted EBIPs and/or are engaged in assessment to improve teaching | 1) We already think about a lot of this stuff due to accreditation and dept. college culture; 2) Some faculty are already trying new techniques |
Encourages collaboration and shared objectives | Collaboration and communities of practice is a beneficial outcome of increased emphasis on teaching and student success; development of shared vision | 1) Agree on higher academic standards; 2) Some faculty could work together on course development and improvement |
Improves teaching and assessment | Expectation for gains in individual teaching ability, confidence, and/or efficiency; more consistent curriculum across sections/department; better assessment processes | 1) Improvements in instruction across the whole dept.; 2) Consistency in expectations of learning |
Aligns with existing resources | Resources and materials are readily available to assist in the adoption/implementation of EBIPs: people, CTL, technology | 1) Lots of support from the Center for Teaching and Learning and department; 2) Adoption of blackboard/video capture make evidence-based learning more feasible |
Provides flexibility and encourages exploration | Adoption of new teaching practices fosters creativity; exploration/innovation are encouraged | 1) Leaves room for personal innovation & experimentation; 2) Can explore effectiveness and compatibility w/best practices, with your teaching style & personality |
Improves student and department outcomes | Realization of vision will result in improved outcomes for students and/or the department (e.g., student retention, decreased failure rates, fewer repeating students) | 1) Will help improve student retention/graduation rates; 2) Successful results (That students performance or satisfaction improves) |
Promotes student engagement and faculty-student interactions | There will be improved relationships/rapport with students; students enjoy active learning environments and will be more engaged | 1) As teaching improves, relationships with students probably also improve; 2) With students: increase dialogue in classroom |
Aligns with faculty desire for student success | Instructors are willing to try new things and have a shared desire for student success; aligned with current efforts for teaching effectiveness and improved student learning | 1) Intrinsic motivation to prepare future citizens; 2) We/I'm motivated to push for better learning/retention |
Develops stronger students/graduates | The use of active learning pedagogies will aid students in the development of skills necessary for future course work and employment | 1) Relevance for students (skills needed outside Higher education); 2) Success of higher education in preparing thinkers and leaders |
Institutional/departmental support | Vision is valued and supported by the department and/or institution; teaching will be valued in tenure and promotion process | 1) Support from management Chair/Dean in testing new ideas; 2) Teaching quality is considered in T & P decisions |
Encourages professional development | The proposed initiative is an opportunity to engage in professional development related to teaching and learning | 1) Emphasis on training in teaching for faculty & grad students; 2) Faculty are supported to attend workshops even outside the university |
Enhances teaching satisfaction | Faculty will experience greater satisfaction in their teaching roles | 1) Enthusiasm - more energy in department; 2) More fun/fulfilling for faculty members |
Improved individual and institutional reputation | Better teaching and improved student success will elicit greater recognition for the institution or individuals | 1) Improving teaching improves recruitment and department reputation among students in particular; 2) Potentially provides better overall regional and national recognition |
Builds common tools and resources | The creation/availability of common tools and resources is a valuable outcome of the proposed initiative | 1) Successful strategies will be available to all; 2) Provides a “toolbox” for achieving learning |
Increased research opportunities | The vision will expand research and/or is a means to connect teaching with research | 1) I will explore additional topics that would help my research; 2) Could lead to collaboration on grants |