The validity of seven extenuating circumstances which college teachers provided as explanations for poor ratings by their students was investigated. Class size was the only circumstance producing a statistically significant difference in student ratings of their instructors. (CP)

College students viewed taped lectures which were systematically varied by lecturers's enthusiasm and amount of information presented. They then rated the lectures with a standard faculty evaluation form. Discriminant analysis was performed in order to derive optimal scoring methods for the form. (Author/JKS)

Provides normative data regarding the use of certain verbal behaviors manifested by college teachers. Indicates that usage of humor, self-disclosure, and narratives by college teachers was frequently relevant to course content and used to clarify course material. Suggests that award winning teachers used these same behaviors in relation to course…

This digest suggests post-tenure faculty development programs as a way to address pressures on the tenure system and calls for the elimination of tenure in higher education. The paper notes that tenure policies are being impacted by internal factors such as the uncapping of the mandatory retirement age and the aging of faculty, as well as by…

The purpose of this paper is to review the meaning of equivalency in the context of faculty hiring guidelines, re-examine state law on the subject, present some ideas that are intended to help faculty and administrators in local districts, and address some questions about equivalency which have consistently arisen. This paper was prepared by the…

University students were asked their opinions about good teaching. Discrepancies between ideal and typical teaching were derived for the whole sample and six different degree groups. The model of good teaching is characterized by two general factors--one learning-centered and another associated with teaching. (Author/MLW)

Discusses the need for inspired teaching and presents eight pointers for the improved performance of college instructors: cultivate general knowledge; plan classroom activities in advance; treat students as adults; provide personal attention; base instruction on personal experience; develop a sense of humor; communicate with colleagues; and…

The practical way to evaluate teachers is to keep in mind the qualities most frequently evidenced by superior teachers, such as knowledge of subject matter, ability to select, organize, and interpret relevant materials, interest in students, sincerity, enthusiasm, and impartiality. (JD)

This analysis attempts a systematic synthesis of the rather large body of research on college students' views on teaching and their assessment of the effectiveness of various attitudes, behaviors, and pedagogical practices of instructors. Characteristics of superior teachers are identified and analyzed. (Editor/LBH)

Compares the perception of three groups--professional educators, education majors, and non-education majors--on fourteen criteria of teacher effectiveness. (IRT)

Study examined college students' perceptions of the teaching effectiveness of coaches and full-time faculty teaching physical education (PE) activity classes. Surveys comparing five variables indicated full-time faculty were more effective in their instruction than coaches. The study found that both coaches and full-time faculty made good PE…

Raises questions about the evaluation process for composition faculty who use computer and Internet technologies in the classroom and for distance learning. Discusses the "panoptic" effect made possible by the accessibility of class Web pages to administrators. Concludes with a set of practical recommendations for faculty and their departments on…

Looks at the complexity of the "technorhetorician's" place within traditional academic institutions. Points out the shortcomings of current positionalities assigned to technorhetoricians. Argues that these scholars are a diverse and multilayered group whose members occupy many positions, emphasizing the shifting and sometimes contradictory nature…

Structured mid-term feedback allows teaching staff to evaluate their effectiveness from the student perspective while the term is in session. Why do lecturers participate in these programs? What do they feel they learn as a result? How do they use the information gathered? Do these programs promote change in the way classes are conducted? At one…

The use of peers in the evaluation of teaching is part of a larger trend in postsecondary education toward a more systematic assessment of classroom performance. Many scholars believe that certain aspects of teaching can be assessed only by classroom observation. This study examines the use that peer reviewers make of teaching products, especially…