This report considers a number of ways to improve or reform college instruction. The methods discussed vary from those that would attempt to change what the teacher does to those that would change primarily what the student does. Which particular way one chooses to improve instruction undoubtedly depends on one's underlying philosophy of…

This study, using a test group of five colleges--2 state colleges, a liberal arts college, a multipurpose college, and an urban community college--investigated the effects of student feedback on improving teaching at the college level. Students rated instructors with a 23-item "Student Instructional Report," which included course objectives,…

Colleagues can make an important contribution to the evaluation of faculty performance. There are several aspects of teaching that colleagues would be able to judge. These are discussed in this paper along with other methods of assessing teaching. (Editor/PG)

The purpose of this study was to investigate two questions pertaining to student evaluation of teachers. These are: (1) Do students indeed provide the instructor with information about instructional practices that he doesn't already know? and (2) If this is the case, to what extent is it true at a variety of colleges and for a significant…

A national survey was made of faculty development and teacher improvement programs, considering: how effective they tend to be, the types of faculty most involved, and how programs are funded and organized. Results are presented, and the need for objective evaluation of such programs is noted. (LBH)

Identified are four groups of faculty development practices based on their use among 756 colleges and universities: traditional practices; instructional assistance practices; those that emphasized the assessment of faculty; and those involving many faculty in improvement activities. Practices judged effective, and the organization and funding are…

Faculty development programs vary considerably, as the results of a recent survey of 756 colleges and universities indicate. Activities related to instruction improvement and personal development are being handled by (1) workshops and seminars, (2) analysis or assessment by students, colleagues, or videotape, (3) activities using technology or…

Two studies are reported. In the first, the effectiveness of student ratings in improving college teaching was investigated. Teachers in five diverse colleges were assigned randomly to a feedback (treatment), no-feedback (control), or posttest group. The feedback and no-feedback groups used a student rating from in one of their classes at…

Questionnaires on faculty improvement and professional development in 2-year, 4-year, and graduate colleges and universities were studied. The 756 respondents provided information on existing programs in their institutions. The estimated use and effectiveness of various development activities, types of faculty members involved, funding, and types…