This introduction to a special issue on using consultants to improve teaching in higher education considers the origins and rationale for instructional consulting, raises some questions about the conceptual underpinnings for consulting practice, examines who offers and who sells consultation, and urges training in consultation skills and greater…

Proposes a learning community model for peer consultation among college faculty and offers examples of cohort-focused or issue-focused learning communities at Miami University (Ohio). Provides evidence of effectiveness based on annual reports and evaluations and on universitywide presentations, as well as advice on combining one-on-one and peer…

Proposes a conceptual framework for consultation on teaching at the higher education level that includes four critical components of instructional consultation: (1) access (informing and encouraging potential users); (2) focus (the importance of negotiating the consultation agenda); (3) recognition (especially for peer consultants and recipients);…

Describes the development and operation of the teaching-consultation program of the University of Kentucky Community College System. This program provides faculty members with an opportunity to analyze their teaching behavior and make changes by working with full-time faculty colleagues who act as consultants. (DB)

Compares the role of constructive criticism in research and teaching and offers suggestions to college teachers on using colleagues as critical friends who provide collegial consultation, both occasional and systematic, as well as for ongoing faculty development. Raises issues of freedom and control as they relate to common norms for good…

Describes the integrated approach to instructional consultation used at the Centre for University Teaching and Learning at McGill University (Canada). Emphasis is on teaching improvement as a conceptual change process, discipline-specific applications as situated learning, and development of a dispersed network of faculty consultants. Implications…

Describes action learning as a potentially powerful peer-based approach to teaching consultation at the college level and offers a case study of its use at Coventry University (England). Explains how action learning supports teaching improvement through reflective practice and peer dialog in group consultations about specific concerns (such as…

This annotated resource guide to instructional consultation at the college level identifies 16 specific resources, organized into those that address consultation in general, sourcebooks on instructional consultation, and effectiveness of instructional consultation. Also listed are periodicals, series, and other references, as well as professional…

Examines a seven-year study at the University of Ottawa (Canada) which studied the impact of instructional consultation on college teaching. The study found faculty who sought individual consultation services (n=99) were representative of the faculty at large and that consultation services resulted in significantly improved student ratings,…

Describes three practical strategies for implementing peer consultation to improve college instruction using procedures implemented at the Air Force Academy (Colorado). The strategies are (1) small-group instructional diagnosis; (2) interactive student focus groups; and (3) classroom observations. (DB)