Leveraging Course Evaluations for Effective Curriculum Development in Higher Education

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 …

Navigating the Challenges of Faculty Recruitment and Retention

Recruiting and retaining top-notch faculty staff is a critical challenge for universities today. The success and reputation of an institution largely depend on the quality and dedication of its faculty members. However, the competition for talented educators is fierce, and once they’re on board, retaining them can be equally challenging. Thankfully, there are strategies for …

Translating change into success: KPIs

Measuring the success of college courses after analyzing the feedback from course evaluations is incredibly important, as it allows professors to make valid improvements to their courses. The first step to measuring the success of a college course, is to understand the course objectives. Next, you should consider key performance indicators (KPIs) to establish new …