Faculty - Toolbox
This Toolbox contains some useful items for ISU and other faculty that can be downloaded and printed so that bits and pieces can be copied to your syllabus or used for reference. The contents of the toolbox are not web pages in HTML or links to information sources. Toolbox files, instead, are designed for you to download, modify as desired, and keep.
If you find other useful resources, please send these as attachments to hillcynt@isu.edu so that they can be added here.
Advice on Learning for your Students
This fine paper, "Learning (Your First Job)," was written by Bob Leamnson, author of Thinking about Teaching and Learning and presenter at Idaho State University's February Faculty Development Day in 2003. Leamnson was the first individual to provide knowledge of how the brain learns in a book written specifically for college professors. In this paper, he shares this knowledge with a paper written for college students.
Name Recognition Mixer Exercise
This exercise is meant to allow an entire class to learn one another's names. It comes from R.J. Johnson, a superb teacher in communications and a presenter in one of the earliest Boot Camp for Profs. Change the match items to tune students into features about your class , your college or university, the local region, and one another.
Sample Syllabus
Note that "sample" does not mean "model." A syllabus is somewhat like handwriting--it has to be legible and understandable, but it remains very personal. We present this one because it is thorough, is the product of reflection and revision, and has proven its effectivenes in many classes. We do not expect that your syllabus should sound the same, emphasize similar values or include the same items of information. Instead, look at any sample syllabus to see if may trigger new ideas about design of your own syllabus. Another entry comes from the Model Syllabus Project of Western Oregon University, added here with the permission of Dr. Niki King.
Sample Knowledge Survey
This knowledge survey was designed for a goal course with published goals and outcomes. In addition to seeing the conceptual structure behind a good knowledge survey, you can copy the header instructions to begin your own survey. This survey used some items from a standardized concept inventory (Geosciences Concept Inventory,) which are marked by "GCI." This enables an instructor to use items that have been standardized by others using item response theory in both pre-post tests and pre-post knowledge surveys. If your discipline has a concept inventory, consider making use of it as you design your courses and knowledge surveys.
Design of Knowledge Survey
The Design of Knowledge Survey outlines distinctions between goals and outcomes and assessment and evaluation.
Minute Paper
This printable slide can be a handy way to end a class.
Interactive Lessons
For faculty developers and other academic leaders at other institutions. In 2005, we scrapped ISU's traditional format for new faculty orientation. By 2006, all of our support offices had come together to support a polished interactive format that we found far superior in both welcoming and in conveyance of critical information. Other institutions who wish to convert their New Faculty Orientation from the usual "talking heads" experience to an interactive event should download the following six files: File 1, File 2, File 3, File 4, File 5, File 6.These .doc files will show you enough to allow you to design a similar interactive event at your institution.