Peer Consultation Program
Our Premise
We believe that faculty learn best
- from other faculty,
- in a supportive, non-evaluative atmosphere,
- through self-initiated involvement
What is the Peer Consultation Program?
The Peer Consultation Program encompasses a variety of teaching improvement services designed to address the needs of faculty in all career stages. These services include:
- Providing information for those interested in self-development
- Teaching Improvement Partnerships (TIPS) with "master teachers" who have been trained as instructional consultants for those interested in improving classroom performance
- The opportunity to participate in mentor groups for those wishing to explore or implement a new teaching strategy
- One-on-one career mentoring for tenure track faculty who want to "learn the ropes" from experienced colleagues
Who may use the services offered through the Peer Consultation Program?
Peer Consultation services are available, free of charge, to all U of A faculty and graduate assistants who are involved in classroom teaching.
What about confidentiality?
Your involvement in the Peer Consultation Program, any data collected, and the outcome of your involvement are strictly confidential. While you may use this data for tenure and promotion purposes, it must be by your own initiative. No information on your involvement will be released to anyone but you.
How do I access the services of the Peer Consultation Program?
While a department head or colleague may refer you to the program, participation is strictly voluntary and self-initiated. If you are interested in any of the services offered, you should call the Teaching and Faculty Support Center at (479)-575-3222 or stop b y at 241 North Buchanan. After a short interview with the program coordinator, you will be directed to a faculty consultant/mentor/mentor group, depending on your interest.
What is involved in Teaching Improvement Partnerships (TIPS)?
After the initial interview, you will be referred to a trained partner who is a U of A faculty member from another department. Together, you will choose appropriate methods for collecting information about your teaching. After data has been collected, your partner will assist you in analyzing and interpreting the results. Together you will decide on "action steps" to be taken towards improving your teaching. In the last step of the process, you will evaluate the effectiveness of the steps taken.
What are Mentoring Groups?
A Mentoring Group is a group of 3-5 faculty with a similar teaching interest (putting courses on line, using cooperative learning, alternative assessment methods, etc...) A faculty member with expertise and experience in that area will be assigned to the group as facilitator. The group will set up a schedule, meeting once or twice a month. Throughout the course of the semester, group members will explore and implement the new strategy and report the results.
What is a Career Mentor?
A Career Mentor is an associate or full professor who has distinguished herself/himself at the university in teaching and research. A new faculty member may wish to request the assistance of a mentor to help define and manage the demands of an academic career. The mentor/mentored will be expected to meet once or twice a month, discussing issues of concern to the mentored. While mentors in this program are assigned, the purpose and goals of the relationship are expected to be defined by the mentor/mentored.