INSTRUCTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS PROCESS

College of Business
Stephen F. Austin State University
Originated: March 2, 1998

Instructional effectiveness is monitored primarily at the department level in the Stephen F. Austin State University College of Business. However, the process by which departments ensure that instruction is delivered effectively is subject to periodic review. Recommended activities for ensuring instructional effectiveness are listed after a description of the review process.

Periodic Review

1. The process by which departments ensure that instruction is delivered effectively should be reviewed no less often than every five years beginning in 1997. The review should be undertaken sooner if conditions warrant.
   
   
2. The review process will be initiated by the College of Business Dean, who will appoint a committee to implement the review.
   
   
3. The committee should interview each of the college's department chairs to identify current activities related to instructional effectiveness. The committee may also identify other appropriate stakeholders and obtain input from them.
   
   
4. After reviewing the information collected, the committee will document its findings and report any recommendations and/or areas of concern to the dean.

Recommended Activities

Each department, under the direction of the department chair, should engage in the following activities:

1. Assess the quality of each individual faculty members=s teaching and recommend improvement where warranted. Attention should be given to both the faculty member's subject matter knowledge and to his or her ability to present information effectively. Possible means of assessment include but are not limited to the following activities:

• administrative review of annual reports, course materials, and any other information provided by the faculty member.

• direct discussions with the faculty member.

• peer reviews of course materials.

• faculty member participation in mentoring activities, teaching circles, or other peer development activities.

• student input.

2. Encourage the use of technology and classroom innovations where appropriate by:

• making resources and information for their use available.

• facilitating discussions among faculty concerning appropriate applications of technology and innovations in courses.

• supporting faculty in gaining knowledge related to innovative teaching techniques.

3. Encourage faculty to use current and appropriate textbooks and instructional materials in each course.

4. Monitor course syllabi for compliance with the following:

• each course section syllabus includes components as may be specified by the university, the college, and/or the department.

• each course section syllabus is available to students at the first class meeting.

• each course section syllabus for BBA and MBA core courses is consistent with the current "standard" syllabus for the course.

• a copy of each course section syllabus is filed with the department at the beginning of the semester.

5. Ensure that multiple-section courses provide consistent coverage of established objectives and content.

6. Recognize and reward those faculty who demonstrate excellence in teaching.

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