This course exposes participants to a variety of issues, strategies, and skills to help them improve their abilities as educators. In a multi-disciplinary context, participants discuss ideas about teaching and learning and practice instructional skills. Through reflective writing, e-mail dialogue, and interactive class sessions, the course encourages critical reflection of pedagogical theories and individual instructional choices. The course meets one day per week for three hours with an additional two hours every other week scheduled for participants to meet in microteaching groups outside of class.
Participants teach five ten-minute sessions using a different model of teaching each time.
Group members pose as students and provide constructive feedback. A reflective autobiographical statement related to teaching and learning. A statement of teaching philosophy. Two to four additional entries structured around teaching materials the participant has developed. Strategies for the College Classroom, by Chet Meyers and Thomas B. Jones, and work through a course packet of materials keyed to each week's class discussion.