Individual Consultations
Locating Resources/Connecting with Colleagues
Any member of the Otterbein College faculty or administrative community
involved in facilitating student learning inside or outside of the
classroom may email the director (LOrtquist-Ahrens@otterbein.edu)
or contact the CTL to set up a one-on-one consultation about questions
or concerns related to teaching (x1035). The director is also available
to serve as a resource person
- in researching specific pedagogical approaches (for example, problem based learning; team learning; conducting seminars; independent study);
- in helping instructors to understand different student populations and types of learners (for example, first-generation students, adult learners);
- in seeking input from colleagues through an international network of faculty developers on any teaching and learning-related question.
Individual Consultations for Formative Feedback
Consultations that provide teachers with early and non-threatening formative feedback - i.e. feedback not to be used in summative evaluation for promotion and tenure purposes - are often much more helpful to teachers than end-of-quarter evaluations. Such consultations can be conducted early enough in a course to allow opportunities for change and development in relationships and practices during the remainder of the term.
The Center for Teaching and Learning will offer two options for individual consultations:
- Classroom observation and pedagogical support
- SGIDs (Small Group Instructional Diagnosis)
Classroom Observation and Pedagogical Support for Teachers
Instructors may request that the director conduct a single classroom observation for the purpose of giving feedback and mirroring the instructor's practice.
Instructors may request that the director conduct classroom observations over a period of time to assist in diagnosing areas of challenge and helping support and facilitate changes.
After an initial session to discern the areas about which the instructor wishes feedback, the director will visit a class or series of classes; meet with the instructor to discuss observations; make any recommendations of relevant readings, resources, or practices; provide additional support for implementing changes; and, finally, attend a class or series of classes to follow up on the instructor's growth.
Instructors may request feedback from a consultant for a wide range of reasons:
- to gain an unbiased outside perspective on the classroom
- as they seek greater comfort and effectiveness in unfamiliar teaching contexts (i.e. online teaching, team teaching)
- as they work to interpret and respond to criticisms about classroom practices in students' feedback
- as they try a new approach and need a sounding board or an outside observer
Consultations are voluntary and entirely confidential.
SGID (Small Group Instructional Diagnosis) - a classroom tool for individual teachers.
A second option for educators who are interested in getting feedback on their teaching for improvement purposes is a focus-group approach, known among faculty developers as the "SGID" (pronounced "skid"), short for "small group instructional diagnosis." After an initial conversation with the instructor to set up the class visit, the consultant will attend a class session and be introduced to students by the instructor who then leaves for 15-20 minutes. Students break into small groups to discuss and come to a consensus on three key questions:
- What are we doing in this course that helps my learning?
- What are we doing in this course that hinders my learning?
- What could we do differently to improve the learning experience for all involved in the course?
After a brief group discussion with the students, the consultant turns the class back to the instructor. Before meeting again with the instructor to discuss strategies for improving faculty comfort and effectiveness as well as student learning, the consultant will summarize student feedback to highlight key points and patterns.
SGIDs, as all individual consultations, are entirely confidential. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact the Center for Teaching and Learning (ext. 1035; CTL@otterbein.edu)