The data and computational procedures used by the IDEA System during the 1977-78 academic year at Kansas State University to interpret ratings of teacher performance are described in this technical report. The computations for each of the seven parts (evaluation, course description, students' self-ratings, methods, additional questions, diagnostic…

The data and computational procedures used by the IDEA System to generate IDEA Reports from information collected on the Standard Form of the IDEA Survey Form are described in this technical report. The computations for each of the seven parts of the IDEA Report are explained. The data base used for this 1978-79 Kansas State University study…

This report argues for the central involvement of faculty themselves in collaborative peer review for the improvement of college teaching. An early section makes the case for formative evaluation to improve teaching and argues that collaborative peer review is well suited to the formative evaluation task. The next section examines faculty roles in…

A guide to help instructors improve or review their questioning skills is presented, with a focus on devising appropriate questions and interpersonal skills that maximize student responses. Questions that entail knowledge, comprehension, and simple application levels are distinguished from questions requiring complex application (e.g., analysis…

This collection of essays focuses on contemporary issues for two-year college education related to instruction, students, and faculty. The following essays are included: (1) "Entrance Testing at Community Colleges," by Patricia McElroy; (2) "Academic Advising in the Community College," by Ann Houpt; (3) "New Jersey Community College General…

Various aspects of the academic profession are addressed in 23 papers from a 1984 conference sponsored by the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. The focus is foundations studies in higher education, process studies, and policy studies. Titles and authors are as follows: "Leadership: Role Expectations of Faculty" (John S.…

Materials and approaches that college faculty can use to evaluate their instruction are described. This guide, prepared by a University of North Dakota (UND) faculty task force, describes new instruments, guidance for developing forms, ideas for interviewing and observing students, and suggestions for other approaches, including self-evaluation,…

Canadian journals in psychology, education, and higher education were reviewed to assess the contribution of psychology to Canadian higher education. Over 100 articles were selected, plus books and monographs published between 1970 and 1980. The articles were grouped according to whether they dealt with cognition and learning; instruction; student…

Teaching behaviors of university faculty nominated for and receiving teaching awards were studied through teacher self-report, student ratings, and videotapes of classes. Thirty outstanding teachers of a midwestern university were randomly selected from a larger group who had been selected for major teaching awards. A behavioral rating scale was…

This collection of essays focuses on the administration of contemporary community colleges, including chapters describing the staffing and functioning of major offices and pertinent issues affecting each area of work. The 25 chapters of the book are: (1) "The Challenging Environment: Context, Concepts, and Crises," by Arthur M. Cohen and Florence…

Eighty papers from a 1985 international conference on improving university teaching are presented. Topics include the following: personality problems of students; using computers in teaching; burnout, stress, and renewal of academic staff; improving teaching by evaluating teachers; teaching writing; curriculum development in management and applied…

The development of the IDEA system, a survey concerning teacher effectiveness at Kansas State University (KSU) is described. The system originated at KSU during the 1968-69 academic year as a means for investigating the effectiveness of teaching and for improving instruction. A discussion concerning its purpose and rationale is included. The…

A review of literature on evaluation of teaching in higher education focuses on factors in faculty resistance to evaluation of their teaching and on outside forces that may be prompting change in this area. Also describes the nature of comprehensive teaching evaluation programs, including various assessment methods, and offers a model for such…

Information on teaching at the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is presented for both new and established teachers. Course and lecture organization, presentation techniques, and teaching aids are covered, along with exams, grading, and teacher evaluation. Class size and composition and classroom…

An overview of the field of adult education is presented, and the nature of adult learners and eight basic instructional modes are discussed. The focus is skills that make people better teachers and the intended audience is college professors, continuing education instructors outside the formal education setting, and students of higher education.…