Meeting with a new instructor recently, the question of what a successful instructor is came up. I had to reflect for a moment, the question is simple but the answer is multifaceted. Is it the course evaluations? Is it the grades? Is it the classroom delivery? Well, in a word ‘yes’. It’s all the things, but taken in combination. There is no one thing that makes a successful instructor.
Course evaluations are the students’ perspectives. Certainly that plays a part in a successful instructor. Students should have a positive experience in the classroom. Instructors should be able to effectively engage a class for the whole session, communicate effectively and in a timely manner outside of class, and provide meaningful feedback on assignments. All these things are important and play a part in whether an instructor is successful.
This is not the only piece though. Instructors also need to effectively handle issues with students. From students arriving late, and disrupting class, to concerns around academic integrity. This requires instructors to be firm and courteous. It sometimes happens that evaluations score lower when instructors deal with these things; we know this and recognize that when reviewing evaluations. Taking the time to address student conduct, and doing so while showing empathy and following the university’s policies and expectations, is critical for a successful instructor.
When it comes to grades, PACE considers these a part of a successful instructor. If an instructor has the entire class receiving A+ marks, something is amiss. If the entire class is receiving a D, something is amiss. PACE expects students to be graded fairly; that should lead to a distribution of grades. Some students will always excel, and some will struggle. Seeing an even distribution, with grades being reflected of work submitted is an indicator of a successful instructor.
There is also how an instructor responds to and interacts with the administrative team. PACE is dependent on a small team of staff who work hard behind the scenes to put together the student facing part of our courses. Responding promptly,and keeping to deadlines, these are things that a successful instructor does.
Communication builds off of that. Instructors that are in touch with the program managers, coordinators and advisors are those that fit into the successful column. Instructors are the first to know if students are having a crisis or have concerns. Being the eyes and ears for PACE is a part of a successful instructor.
In the classroom, a successful instructor can keep students engaged. The class has activities that are connected to the learning outcomes. There is value for students in attending. It’s not about being an entertainer, but the successful instructor does keep the students entertained while helping the students to understand the course content.
Taken together, the classroom delivery, communication, discipline, grades, evaluations, these pull together to make a successful PACE instructor.