Essentials of College and University Teaching Book

Essentials of College and University Teaching

A Practical Guide

by Eleanor Boyle & Harley Rothstein

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The authors clearly love to teach and they tackle the difficult topic of “teaching teaching” with infectious energy and great effectiveness. Even though I have taught for more then 25 years, I learned a great deal from reading this book.

From the foreward by David R.Wirtshafter, PhD
Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience
University of Illinois at Chicago


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Book Description

Essentials of College and University Teaching is for all instructors who are striving to be excellent teachers. A passionate call for higher-quality post-secondary teaching, the book is an essential resource at a time when students want and expect effective instruction. Authors Eleanor Boyle and Harley Rothstein analyze and summarize the principles underlying good teaching at any academic level and in any discipline. They demonstrate how to organize, communicate, manage, and evaluate in ways that will inspire and promote genuine learning. Full of practical and usable ideas, Essentials of College and University Teaching is valuable reading for professors, lecturers, graduate students, and anyone who values quality education.

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Recommendations

A readable and comprehensive book that will prove indispensable for those approaching college and university teaching. I wish I'd had it 21 years ago when I first started to teach.

James Ogloff, PhD, JD
Foundation Professor of Clinical Forensic Psychology
Monash University, Melbourne, Australia

A must-read for those teaching at the college and university level. Good practical advice in a very readable format.

Penny La Couteur, PhD
Dean of Arts and Science
Capilano College, Vancouver, BC

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Contents

  • Introduction: Teaching Stretches the Mind, the Heart, and the Soul
    • All Instructors Can Learn to Teach Effectively
    • Learning Environments Are Based on Compassion and Respect
    • To Teach Well, Remember the Essentials
  • Course Planning: Having a Strong Overall Vision
    • Setting Out Clear Objectives
    • Sequencing the Course Material
    • The Textbook is Not the Course
    • Helping Students with Thinking and Writing
    • Designing Assignment and Term Projects
    • Producing a Course Outline or Syllabus
  • Class Planning: Being Thoroughly Organized for Each Session
    • Organizing Day-to-Day Teaching
    • Writing Step-by-Step Lecture Plans
    • The First Class Session: Engaging Students Immediately
    • Using Frequent Participatory Techniques
    • Case Studies and Problem-Based Learning
    • Student Presentations: Making Them Work
    • Organizing Effective Seminar Classes
    • Using Last Semester's Notes, but Bringing Them Alive First
    • Guest Speakers and Field Trips
    • Ending Classes on an Upbeat Note
  • Communication: Striving for Clarity
    • Giving Instructions Effectively
    • Encouraging Students' Questions
    • Asking Engaging Questions
    • Facilitating Purposeful Discussions
    • Physical Movement and Voice
    • Giving Beneficial Feedback
  • Management: Developing Techniques for
    Smoothly Functioning Classes
    • Managing your Physical Space and Materials
    • Discouraging Disruptive Behaviour
    • Accommodating Various Learning Styles
    • Helping Students Take Notes to Get the Most from Class
    • Employing Audio-Visual Materials in the Classroom
    • Using Computer Technology in Teaching
  • Evaluation: Assessing Student Work Fairly
    • Do Not Blame Students for Wanting Good Grades
    • Evaluation Systems Should Be Transparent
    • Constructing Exams: Multiple Choice, Short Answer, or Essay?
    • Grading Written Work
    • Taking Measures Against Academic Dishonesty
  • Conclusion: Reflecting On Our Teaching
    • When Feeling Stale or Stressed, Remember the Essentials
    • Motivating Students
    • In Teaching as in Life, Seek Balance
    • Especially for New Instructors
  • Appendix
    • Frequently Asked Questions by Instructors
  • Notes
  • Bibliography
    • Suggested Readings on University and College Teaching
  • Authors