Engaging New Faculty in Reflection and Inquiry about Their Teaching

Y

7

Reflective Teaching; Beginning Teachers; Foreign Countries; Professional Development; Higher Education; Teacher Education Programs; Instructional Innovation; Teaching (Occupation); Teacher Attitudes; Questionnaires; Interviews; Qualitative Research; Statistical Analysis

2368-4526

Similar to faculty development offerings at other North American post-secondary institutions, the University of Alberta has delivered orientations and short programs that primarily focus on teaching techniques. While this type of professional development is an important element of enhancing teaching, the literature stresses the need for learning opportunities that encourage reflection as well as time for practice and experimentation. Building upon programs and services already in existence, and in alignment with the University of Alberta's new vision, a formally structured teaching program called the new professor Teaching program was developed and piloted with faculty. The purpose of the program was to engage new professors in the understanding of the academic scholarship of teaching and provide a supported environment for innovation in their teaching. A research study was undertaken to understand how this new program engaged newly hired faculty in reflection and stimulated inquiry about their teaching. The findings of the data collected from the participants indicated that the program was a success and of value. All participants remarked that the program was helpful in developing their teaching repertoire and extending their knowledge of how to become effective teachers.

As Provided

16

2015

EJ1057143