Round 2 on course evaluations. Here we go.
In a perfect world, student evaluations of teaching (SET) would be used as a formative tool rather than a summative assessment used to make personnel decisions. In a perfect world, SETs would serve as one part of the teaching evaluation, combined with peer chats, reflection and discussion, growth plans, support and affirmation, and nurturing guidance on how to enter into and thrive in higher ed teaching environments. While the US continues to use SETs as a tool to control and manage faculty, other countries use the SETs as tools to improve teaching. And when most of us come to higher ed with limited training in pedagogy, this seems like a valuable approach to the overall teaching review process. So why are they not used this way?
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Course evaluations. Here they come. This is usually the time in the semester where I start trying to justify to myself all of my instructional decisions. I taught this content in this order because... I included these indicators on the rubric to... I gave students opportunities to revise and resubmit. Some did. Some didn't. Despite the efforts to make student learning meaningful and enduring each semester, I still find myself filled with a certain and familiar sense of dread as the return of course evaluations looms.
When I was working on my dissertation, my mom introduced me to Winnicott's concept of the "Good Enough Mother" (1953). In one article, Naumburg suggests Winnicott observed that children "actually benefit when their mothers fail them in manageable ways." Winnicott, a pediatrician and psychoanalyst, coined this concept to think with mothers about how perfection may not be sustainable and may even cause harm to moms and babies. The alternative, however, is trying to strike a balance between every single need and also helping teeny tiny tots find their autonomy, make their discoveries, and move toward greater independence over time.
I've thought about blogging for a couple of years and have drafted a few things, but never hit publish. I sometimes wonder if I have anything to say worth sharing, or if people actually want to read one more thing. But if they did want to read one more thing, what would it be?
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AuthorHi. Lillian (she/her) here. Welcome to Office Hours for faculty. Mostly comprehensive and liberal arts chatter, but R1 and R2s encouraged to enjoy. Collaborations, conversations, questions and camaraderie encouraged. I'm cheering for you. ArchivesCategories
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