The purpose of this monograph is to give readers a practical and theoretical foundation in learning analytics in higher education, including an understanding of the challenges and incentives that are present in the institution, in the individual, and in the technologies themselves. Among questions that are explored and answered are: (1) What are…

A simple strategy for identifying the new college faculty who are effective and productive quickly in their jobs is offered. It consists of eight characteristic behaviors that may be taught to new faculty to facilitate their transition into teaching. Balance of emphasis on teaching, collegial interactions, and writing is encouraged. (MSE)

Ten suggestions for new college faculty include provide clear instructional goals and a rationale, treat students fairly, allow each an opportunity to talk daily, bring the real world in, use one-to-one conferencing when needed, invite students into the evaluation process, model positive behavior, set reasonable standards, grow professionally, and…

Community college students can be characterized by factors that typically relate to students at-risk. On the whole, community college students are members of minority groups, older, attend school on a part-time basis, have taken on family responsibilities, and are less well-prepared than students in four-year colleges and universities. Although…

In spring 1984, as part of a larger study of transfer education in urban community colleges, the Center for the Study of Community Colleges conducted a survey to analyze faculty involvement in the transfer function. A questionnaire was distributed to 444 randomly selected faculty members teaching transfer courses at 24 colleges, requesting…

The extent and nature of sexual harassment of students by college faculty are examined, and practical suggestions for institutions to eradicate academic sexual harassment are made, including a published code of conduct and educational programs. (MSE)

Discusses the need for inspired teaching and presents eight pointers for the improved performance of college instructors: cultivate general knowledge; plan classroom activities in advance; treat students as adults; provide personal attention; base instruction on personal experience; develop a sense of humor; communicate with colleagues; and…

A discussion of techniques for closing college class sessions and courses, often problematic for both teachers and students, first looks at the social dynamics between faculty and students, examines ways to improve student-student interaction at the end of class, and considers problems in ending courses. A number of classroom activities providing…

This 4-year study of 12 community colleges examined the institutional policies and administrative practices that encouraged or discouraged effective faculty behaviors. The study focused on faculty and administrative subcultures and the learning environment that they help to create in these open-door institutions. The study found that different…

This study examined the relationship between formal program statements and actual practices in one sophomore class in a preservice teacher education program. Specifically, the study evaluated: possible inconsistencies between what is explicitly stated and what is actually done; whether such inconsistencies are intentional or unintentional,…

This study examined influences upon experienced teachers' course planning. Seven teachers were each intensively interviewed four times about their planning for courses they had never before taught; the interviews took place before, after, and twice during the semester of the "new" course in question. Findings were classified into three categories…

The heads of the education divisions of 245 colleges and universities were surveyed regarding their opinions about faculty evaluation and reward procedures. Findings indicated that tenure received significantly more attention from decision-making bodies in the colleges than merit pay. Tenure was also viewed as having a greater effect on faculty…

Norms of undergraduate teaching behavior were examined in a survey of 302 biology, history, mathematics, and psychology faculty in 2 institution types, research universities and comprehensive colleges. The study investigated the perceived impropriety of specific planning, in-class, interpersonal, curricular, and testing practices. The survey…

In 1986, a study was conducted of the level of job satisfaction among full-time faculty in the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD). Questionnaires were distributed to 1,000 randomly selected full-time faculty in the nine colleges in the LACCD. A total of 439 surveys were returned, for a 43.9% response rate. Study findings included the…

Research that provides a detailed analysis of college instructor expressiveness indicates that it influences student achievement and perceptions of teacher control in the classroom, but not for all students or in all classrooms. This body of research can contribute to development of models for classroom instruction. (MSE)