Part One: The Statement of Instructional Excellence
Appendix A of the plan contains the Statement of Instructional Excellence. It is imperative that the evaluator be familiar with the descriptions of the qualities and characteristics found in Appendix A and operationalized in Appendix B -- the Performance Standards and indicators. The following activity is designed to have you consider the breath and depth of the vision statement and to consider how it applies to assessing and improving the effectiveness of instruction.
Exploring Motivation
Read the narrative under Motivation and consider the following questions.
1. In a discussion with a faculty member, what data would you want to use to discuss the issues concerning the motivation level of that faculty member and his/her ability to motivate others?
2. How would the evidence you see in each of the data collection instruments differ for someone who was very successful in this area and someone who is experiencing difficulties?
Instrument Successful Needs Improvement Student Ratings: Classroom Observations: Self-Appraisals 3. What might you include in a professional development plan for someone who needs to work in this area?
Share your answers at this time to develop a deeper understanding of the Motivation section of the Statement of Instructional Excellence.
Read the narrative under Interpersonal Skills and consider the following questions.
1. In a discussion with a faculty member, what data would you want to use to discuss the issues concerning the ability of the faculty member to work cooperatively with students and colleagues?
2. How would the evidence you see in each of the data collection instruments differ for someone who was very successful in this area and someone who is experiencing difficulties?
Instrument Successful Needs Improvement Student Ratings: Classroom Observations: Self-Appraisals
3. In the Overall Performance Review and Summary Conference, what suggestions would you offer for someone who has demonstrated an insensitivity towards students?
Share your answers at this time to develop a deeper understanding of the Interpersonal Skills section of the Statement of Instructional Excellence.
Read the narrative under Knowledge Base and consider the following questions.
1. In a discussion with a faculty member, what data would you want to use to discuss the issues concerning the understanding a faculty member has of particular knowledge base supporting his/her discipline?
2. How would the evidence you see in each of the data collection instruments differ for someone who was very successful in this area and someone who is experiencing difficulties?
Instrument Successful Needs Improvement Student Ratings: Classroom Observations: Self-Appraisals 3. What might you include in a professional development plan for someone whose understanding of the knowledge base exceeds your own? How could you encourage this person to continue to develop expertise in this area?
4. What suggestions would you offer to someone who's understanding of the knowledge base is less than current?
5. What suggestions would you offer to someone who is proficient in his/her understanding of content knowledge but is not current about understanding how students learn?
Share your answers at this time to develop a deeper understanding of the Knowledge Base section of the Statement of Instructional Excellence.
Read the narrative under Application of Knowledge Base and consider the following questions.
1. In a discussion with a faculty member, what data would you want to use to discuss the issues concerning how effective the faculty member is in applying content knowledge in the teaching/learning process?
2. How would the evidence you see in each of the data collection instruments differ for someone who was very successful in this area and someone who is experiencing difficulties?
Instrument Successful Needs Improvement Student Ratings: Classroom Observations: Self-Appraisals 3. What might you include in a professional development plan for someone who relies on using only lecture formats in all classes?
4. What sources of data would you used to assess how the quality and frequency of feedback to students?
5. How would you help a faculty member who solely relies on paper and pencil assessment methods?
Share your answers at this time to develop a deeper understanding of the Application of Knowledge Base section of the Statement of Instructional Excellence.
As noted before, Appendix B of the Plan details the performance indicators associated with each of the four sections of the statement of Instructional Excellence. Use your answers from Part One of this module and compare them with the indicators found in Appendix B and consider the following questions:
1. What aspects of each section did you highlight that was different than the indicators listed in Appendix B.
2. How can you use Appendix B in conducting the Overall Performance Review and Summary Conference?
3. How could you use Appendix B to help a faculty member write a comprehensive self-appraisal?
Share your answers at this time to develop a deeper understanding of the Performance Standards and Indicators.
Special Note: Appendix B is not intended to be used as a check list assuming that everyone must master all indicators of each standard. It is intended to provide help in thinking through each section of the Statement of Instructional Excellence. However, The Statement of Instructional Excellence is the authoritative source for considering the qualities and characteristics of effective teaching. Appendix B can be helpful in providing concrete recommendations for faculty, and identifying areas of outstanding performance.