Biology 694

Preparing Future Faculty: How to Prepare for and Succeed in Academia

Content

This seminar is designed to introduce gradute students to the role and responsibilities of the college teacher and to assist them in understanding the variety of institutions in which effective teaching takes place. Through discussions, readings, and direct experience, students will focus on the academic expectations, institutional identities and develop skills meant to assist them in applying for teaching positions and achieving success in their first appointments.

Offered

January 6 to 10, 1997. 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM.

Participants

Graduate students in the science teaching colleges of the College of Natural Sciences, JABSOM, CTAHR and SOEST.

Instructors

Bill Burke and Linda K. Worley, Associate Director and Dirctor of Teaching and Learning Center at the University of Kentucky, respectively. They have taught this course at UK as part of a PEW grant on "Preparing Future Faculty."

Grading

Grades in the seminar will be determined with respect to the quality of thought and participation evidenced. Completion of assignments will constitute 60% of the grade with class participation constituting the remaining 40%.

Goals of the Course

To assist students in determining whether college teaching is a desirable goal for themselves
To assist students in determining the qualities which characterize successful college teachers
To assist students in identifying the various expectations which prevail in different institutions of higher learning
To assist students in developing the requisite skills for obtaining a teaching position at the institution of their choice
To assist students in acquiring some of the skills necessary for a successful career in college teaching

Class Schedule

Day 1: January 6, 1997 (1:30-5:00 PM)

	Introduction to the course
	Discussion of the national Preparing Future Faculty program
	Overview of institutional diversity (Carnegie classifications)
	Diversity of learners and learning styles (exercise - Kolb Learning Skills Inventory)

Day 2: January 7, 1997 (1:30-5:00 PM)

	Teaching styles and documenting teaching activities
	Exercise - Teaching Goals Portfolio
	Preparing a teaching portfolio
	Student diversity and specific institutions
	Assignment - review letters of application

Day 3: January 8, 1997 (1:30-5:00 PM)

	Exercise - reviewing and ranking letters of application
	Drafting a letter of application for a specific position at a specific institution
	Drafting a statement of teaching philosophy
	Assignment - preparing questions for faculty panel
	Day 4: January 9, 1997 (1:30-5:00 PM)

Day 4: January 9, 1997 (1:30-5:00 PM)

	Panel of faculty from community college, liberal arts, and regional university campuses
	Discussion of differences in missions, campus climates, students, collegial interactions, and expectations fo faculty in regards to teaching, research, advising and service
	Assignment - preparing for the interview

Day 5: January 10, 1997 (1:30-5:00 PM)

	Mock interviews
	New faculty - research on successful beginnings of academic careers