I have been following this thread with great interest. I teach at a
two-year college where we are revising our faculty evaluation system.
The old method was crude and subjective but comfortable after a few
years. The now one is supposedly more objective, but frighteningly
unfamiliar. I am writing to ask for the opinions and advice of the
members of this list. the new evaluation system asks for a "focused
narrative" addressing the following areas:
Knowledge (knowledge of discipline, competence with course content
which is relevant and thorough, increasing knowledge of
discipline/pedagogy)
Course organization and Planning, (prepares assignments, tests, etc to
promote student learning and interest, demonstrates attention to active
learning and critical thinking, implements course objectives
effectively)
Communication and Delivery, (uses class time effectively, uses
effective instructional techniques and tools, demonstrates efforts to
stimulate student interest and achievement)
and Policy/Procedure practices. (adheres to policies, performs
assigned duties, and is available to students)
The focused narrative is to be no more than two pages. How exactly might
one demonstrate this sort of thing, especially considering that there is
no classroom observation?
We have no sample and there is no plan to have training sessions on how
to proceed. I thank you for any help you might have for a struggling and
frustrated young professor who is drowning in a sea of paperwork!
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Mariam W. Dittmann
DeKalb College Science Department
555 N Indian Creek Drive
Clarkston, GA 30021