[PSTUM-list] Midterm Interventions

PSTUM-List, Our spring semester starts in February, so it's still midterm time around here. I'm curious to know what some of you do around midterm time... (a) to determine which of your instructors are struggling in the classroom and (b) to intervene and assist those instructors with their teaching while there is still time left in the semester. Here is what we do... (a) Each of our calculus instructors (graduate students and junior faculty) are observed by a member of the preceptor group during the first half of the semester. Each of these observations is followed by a 20-30 minute consultation where the preceptor and the instructor discuss the class observed. One goal of this consultation is to identify three things the teacher is doing well and three suggestions for improvement. We also have all (well, most) of our calculus students complete midterm course evaluations. Each of our calculus instructors then meets with his or her course head to discuss these evaluations. (b) Our interventions depend on the types of problems that are discovered through the observation and midterm course evaluations. Typically one of the preceptors mentors the teacher for a time, checking over their lesson plans and offering advice. These interventions have been fairly ad hoc. We're currently working on a "menu" of professional development options to present to these teachers. What are some of your practices? Derek -- Derek Bruff, Preceptor Department of Mathematics, Harvard University Email: bruff(a)fas.harvard.edu Web: http://www.derekbruff.com/