Consultation Services
"The experience was very helpful to me, and I think I can safely say that my teaching is better as a result of this assistance. One indication is that I am much more aware of some of my strengths and weaknesses as a teacher. (The consultant) helped me identify several patterns of teaching behavior of which I was only vaguely aware previously. Further, I have implemented several specific suggestions, such as more deliberate use of my location in the room, visual aids, response techniques."
IDS consultants are available to work one-to-one or with a group of faculty or a department, and are available by phone or IM for "just-in-time" advice in exploring teaching or learning technology issues.
To schedule a consultation, please complete the complete Individual Consultation Request Form or contact Jason Ellis directly at jellis002@d.umn.edu or 726-6355.
Individual Consultations
Individuals in virtually every discipline and at every stage in their careers have found the consultation process useful and energizing. This voluntary and confidential service provides instructional design and/or analysis for promoting professional self-awareness and clarifying personal teaching goals.
For whom?
All faculty including, new, tenured, tenure track, term, and professional academic, as well as GTAs who are primary instructors for their courses are welcome to use our services
How?
Consultants will meet with you to:- Discuss your teaching philosophy and practices, teaching strategies and theories
- Observe your class and provide post-observation feedback
- Analyze student evaluations and feedback
- Identify appropriate strategies for your discipline
- Videotape your teaching
Group Consultations
An IDS consultant will meet with group or department to facilitate:- defining an educational mission
- developing coherent curriculum and objectives
- addressing accreditation concerns
- developing appropriate assessments, standards and rubrics
How?
Consultants will meet with your department/group to:- Analyze the existing situation
- Clarify objectives
- Establish parameters for the task
- Identify appropriate assessment strategies for your discipline
- assist in new curriculum and/or teaching assessment
Some of the topics we can address include (but are not limited to):
Course Design & Planning
- setting achievable learning objectives
- constructing a syllabus
- creating an inclusive classroom
Effective Teaching Methods
- employing active learning strategies
- developing & facilitating effective collaborative groups
- building effective presentation skills
Assessment of Student Learning
- monitoring student progress
- writing effective test questions
- employing assessment strategies
- giving effective feedback to students
Classroom Management
- planning a successful first day of class
- motivating your students
- creating an inviting classroom environment
- addressing academic integrity
Integrating Technology into Your Teaching
- enhancing your teaching with technology
- teaching online: distance and distributive education
Documenting Your Teaching
- creating a teaching portfolio
- collecting data and documenting progress
- using classroom observations / focus feedback groups
- interpreting end-of-semester student evaluations
Just-in-Time Teaching Advice
If you find yourself in need of a little last-minute advice about your teaching or just a friendly ear to bounce some ideas around before you run off to class, feel free to give us a call, contact us on Jabber, or send an email. We'll answer you as soon as we can.
LeAne Rutherford |
Shelley Smith |