Individual Assistance

Individual Consultation

There are three critical things to keep in mind with any LES consultation. First, all conversations are entirely confidential. Second, it is up to you to decide how much and what kind of assistance you would like. Third, we view ourselves as peers helping peers, rather than as experts with all the answers. We will, therefore, make every effort to provide appropriate resources, share experiences, and offer suggestions if requested, but we don’t proscribe treatment.

The LES team is available to talk with you about any aspect of the teaching and learning that occurs in your classroom. In the recent past, we have talked with faculty about developing clearer syllabi and how to make better use of a range of pedagogical tactics, from small group work to more effective lectures. We also have worked with people on how grade discussion, and how to provide fewer but more effective comments on written work.  Less happily, we have explored ways to handle problem students and recapture recalcitrant classes. Finally, the LES team frequently helps people sort out their end of term student evaluations, and decide what, if any, changes should be attempted in response.

The LES team is also available for more direct classroom assessment. One form is actual observation of your teaching; we will come to one or more classes and provide feedback on whatever aspect(s) you request. A second form of assessment is the Small Group Instructional Diagnosis (SGID). The SGID takes one class period, and provides a structured assessment of student views. It is usually done toward the middle of the semester so that you can both make adjustments and remind students about the learning goals behind tasks you are asking them to do.

Resources on Effective Pedagogy

There is an extensive literature on effective pedagogy, but unfortunately this is not something that most of us are alerted to during our graduate education.  One goal of LES is to make these materials available to faculty on an "as-needed" basis.

To that end, we have an extensive collection of books and journals covering a very wide range of pedagogical issues.  They range from discipline-centered approaches to very practical "how-to" tips applicable across the board.  We also have materials on specific areas such as discussion, lecture, gender, syllabi, and many more.

These materials are housed in the LES office, HAB 103 - CSB.  If you want assistance in finding material on a particular topic, please ask.