As another semester draws to a close and summer is upon us, now is the perfect time to wrap up your courses on a strong note. To help you do so, make sure to:
- Reflect Upon the Semester and Take Notes on It. Are there some things you thought went really well this semester or are there things you’d like to tweak before the next time you teach it? Now is the opportune time to reflect upon your semester and to write down your thoughts. These notes will be invaluable to you the next time you teach the class and, despite your best intentions, it may be difficult to remember the specifics in a few months (or years!).
- Submit Grades. Grades need to be submitted online by 3:45pm on Monday, May 11th, 2015. For more information on how to do so, check out the Office of the Registrar’s webpage.
- Review your CIFs. Once you’ve submitted grades and CIFs are released, you can access your student evaluations at http://cif.nd.edu/. Are there any constructive suggestions you can incorporate into future courses? For help interpreting your CIFs or for tips on how to address these evaluations, consider scheduling a consultation with the Kaneb Center.
This summer, we also encourage you to take advantage of the Kaneb Center’s resources. To help you hone your pedagogical prowess over the next few months, consider:
- Joining a Reading Group. The Kaneb Center purchases books on teaching and learning for those interested in engaging in small, informal reading groups over the summer. We have a list of recommended readings, so if you wish to organize a group with your colleagues or meet some new friends, we have plenty of great books to get everyone talking about teaching.
- Participating in a Pedagogy Journal Club. The Kaneb Center is also considering starting a weekly Pedagogy Journal Club. This would be a meeting, approximately one hour long, where recent pedagogical research would be shared and discussed. (A sample variety of education journals can be found here.) If this is something you would consider joining, please email Joseph Michalka so that interest can be measured and meeting times can be arranged. Additional information on the journal club will be forthcoming.
- Scheduling a One-on-One Consultation with Kaneb Staff for your Fall Classes. Want to get a jump start on prepping for your Fall courses? Come see one of our staff members who can help you fine-tune your syllabus. In these consultations, we can also help you develop assessments, craft rubrics, and review your CIFs.
- Taking a GRED Course (or Two!). If you’re looking to hone your skills in a course devoted to teaching and learning, check out Kaneb’s Graduate Courses on University Teaching and Learning (GRED). Just make sure to apply for a tuition waiver through your academic unit and contact Joanna Sherbun if you have any questions.
- Checking out a Book from Our Library. What goes better with sunshine and a cold beverage than one of Kaneb’s many books on teaching and learning? Come check out our library for tons of great summer reading options.
From all of us at the Kaneb Center, we wish you a happy and productive summer!
