The pursuit of academic excellence is an ongoing journey, with curriculum development playing a pivotal role in shaping the learning experiences of students. Amidst this pursuit, course evaluations emerge as invaluable tools that not only assess the effectiveness of teaching but also serve as a compass guiding faculty members in refining and enhancing their courses. …
Navigating Financial Aid and Scholarships
A Guide for Students With the astronomical costs of higher education, many students and their families turn to financial aid and scholarships to help alleviate the financial burden of pursuing a college degree. Understanding the various options available and navigating the application process can be daunting. However, with careful planning and research, students can find …
The Power and Purpose of Academic Conferences
Academic conferences serve as vital hubs of knowledge exchange, collaboration, and professional development within the academic community. These gatherings bring together scholars, researchers, educators, and students from diverse disciplines to share insights, discuss emerging trends, and foster meaningful connections. Let’s delve into the significance of academic conferences, exploring their benefits, key components, and tips for …
Educational Technology for Faculty Empowerment
In the ever evolving landscape of education, the integration of educational technology has taken a larger role in shaping engaging and effective learning environments. University faculty, as key drivers of this transformation, are often on the lookout for innovative tools to enhance their performances as educators. We’ll explore options for university faculty when choosing educational …
Navigating Data Security: A Guide for Educational Institutions
With the ever-increasing convergence of education and technology, the safeguarding of data has become paramount. Here, we’ll provide higher education institutions and faculty with tips on ensuring data security and compliance. Helping everyone in laying the foundation for a secure digital future. Tips for Data Security and Compliance in Education 1. Encrypt Data Transmission Prioritize …
University at Buffalo Making Strides in Enhancing Teaching Evaluations: An Analysis of the UBSET
Introduction In 2014, the University at Buffalo (UB) embarked on a mission to revolutionize its approach to evaluating teaching effectiveness by introducing the Universal Student Evaluation of Teaching (UBSET). In doing so, UB sought to measure if eleven particular questions (six course-oriented and five instructor-based) derived from the 32-item Student Evaluation of Educational Quality (SEEQ), …
How to Promote Metacognition
First, we need to ask the question, what is metacognition? Metacognition refers to the cognitive processes that involve thinking about one’s own thinking. It involves being aware of and understanding one’s thought processes, knowing what one knows, and being able to regulate and control cognitive activities. In simpler terms, metacognition is the ability to reflect …
New Year, New No-Stress Semester
The start of a new year is often met with excitement, while the start of a new semester has its fair share of stress for both students and faculty. Whether you’re hitting the books or leading the class, finding ways to manage stress is crucial for a successful and positive academic experience. Here are some …
Tackling Online Course Retention Challenges
In the realm of higher education, the surge of online courses has presented a unique set of challenges, particularly concerning student retention. While online learning offers flexibility and accessibility, it has also unveiled significant hurdles in keeping students engaged and motivated until course completion. With distance learning set increase in the next decade it’s worth …
Benefits of promoting faculty diversity and inclusion
Diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords in higher education—they are essential for creating a rich and vibrant academic environment. In recent years, universities have made significant strides in recognizing the value of a diverse faculty. However, challenges persist, and addressing them is critical for recruiting, retaining, and supporting faculty members from all backgrounds. In …