Movin’ on Up: The Key is Interaction with Students Department of Foreign Language Retreat August 16, 2011

Nostalgia Who was your worst instructor/professor in college? What made this person the worst? What characteristics do you avoid in your teaching so as not to emulate this person?

More Nostalgia Who was your best instructor/professor in college? What made this person the best? What characteristics do you use in your teaching so as to emulate this person?

Umbach & Wawrzynski (2005) Students report higher levels of engagement and learning where faculty Use active and collaborative learning techniques Engage students in experiences Emphasize higher-order cognitive activities Interact with students Challenge students academically Value enriching educational experiences

Ku & Hu (2001) Contact increases during four years in college Positive effects of student-faculty contact depend on efforts students expend on other activities Frequency and quality of contact related to college size Academically prepared students and those devoted to studies interact more with faculty

Wilson & Woods (1974) An instructor’s accessibility is communicated through instructor’s Attitudes Values Beliefs And by whether Students invited to make class policy Allows other points of view Gives essay exams over objective exams

How Might an Instructor Encourage Interaction? Keeping office hours Inviting small group for coffee/soda Brown bag breakfast/lunch with small group Cultural events Ballet folklorico Singing Christmas carols

Characteristics of Successful Instructors It is the instructor who makes the difference in what happens in the classroom. Instructor’s expectations of students greatly influences their achievement in your class.

Discussion What in these articles makes sense to you? What do they confirm about what you are doing? What ideas do they give you to make some effective changes? Brainstorm ways to engage students.