An Evidence-based Guide to College and University Teaching: Developing the Model Teacher

An Evidence-based Guide to College and University Teaching outlines a definition of "model teaching" based on research evidence and accepted best practices in high education. Teachers at all levels of skill and experience can benefit from clear, objective guidelines for defining and measuring quality teaching. To fulfil this need, this book outlines six fundamental areas of teaching competency—model teaching characteristics—and provides detailed definitions of each characteristic. The authors define these essential characteristics as training, course content, the assessment process, instructional methods, syllabus construction, and the use of student evaluations. This guide outlines through research and supplemental evidence how each characteristic can be used toward tenure, promotion, teaching portfolios, and general professional development. Additional features include a self-assessment tool that corresponds to the model teaching characteristics, case studies illustrating common teaching problems, and lists of "must reads" about college teaching. An Evidence-based Guide to College and University Teaching describes how college faculty from all disciplines and at all levels of their career – from graduate students to late-career faculty – can use the model teaching characteristics to evaluate, guide, and improve their teaching. The book is additionally useful for teachers, trainers, and administrators responsible for promoting excellence in college teaching.