Assessing environmental factors that promote quality collegiate teaching

Abstract

As the need to improve undergraduate education intensifies, assessment of student and faculty practices should be complemented by information about the environmental conditions that help faculty members do their best work. This session focuses on understanding the relationship between faculty members’ educational environments and their teaching practices. Results from a large-scale, multi-institutional study give insight into these environments by documenting faculty sense of departmental belonging, collegial commitment to quality teaching, and access to resources to meet high standards. Session participants will engage in a conversation about how to best assess educational environments, and how to create momentum for change.