Office of Educational Enhancement

Positive Classroom Learning Environments, Improved Student Outcomes

Since its beginnings 40 years ago, the field of learning environments has grown considerably and spread around the world. Although qualitative data-collection methods have provided important insights, a hallmark of the field today is the availability of a rich range of economical and valid questionnaires for assessing students’ perceptions of their classroom environments. As dependent variables, learning environment assessments have provided useful criteria of effectiveness for evaluating a large range of educational programs and teaching approaches. As independent variables, positive learning environments have consistently produced improved student outcomes (including achievement) for many different school subjects, grade levels and countries. Given the established links between positive learning environments and improved student outcomes, it is important that practitioners pay greater attention to assessing, monitoring and improving their classroom learning environments.

When: February 10, 5:30-7pm
Where: McDermott Suite

VP for Diversity and Community Engagement, Dr. Magaly Spector, Associate Provost Dr Rhonda Blackburn and Coordinator of Educational Enhancement Dr Christine Salmon welcome faculty mentors and program participants to the Faculty Mentor Kickoff Luncheon last month.

The mission of the Faculty Mentoring Program is to provide a system of support for faculty to help them develop professionally and personally. This program will contribute to improving recruitment and retention of faculty and enhancing the academic climate at The University of Texas at Dallas. The program offers mentored guidance on research, teaching and service, facilitated networking opportunities and sharing of best practices, and provides outlets for psycho-social support. This program is based on principles of mutual trust, respect, cooperation and inclusion. For more information send us an e-mail or visit The Faculty Mentoring Website

TEXAS FACULTY DEVELOPMENT NETWORK
Metroplex and Upper East Texas Regional Groups

Fall 2008 Meeting Agenda

10:00 – 10:30
Welcome and Introductions

10:30 – 11:30
UT Dallas’ Teaching Academy Certification

• How it was developed, What was included?
• Lessons learned.

11:30 – 12:00
What have you built for TA development?

12:00 – 1:00
Lunch sponsored by UT Dallas’ Office of Educational Enhancement – Share your innovative programs!

1:00 – 2:00
Case Studies in the classroom – How to conduct a Case Studies session.

2:00 – 2:30
Share your ideas and case study experiences!

2:30 – 3:00
Wrap up

Just a reminder — the OSSA (Office of Student Success & Assessment) and OEE (Office of Educational Enhancement) is tomorrow (Nov.12) from 10am to 2pm in the UTD Conference Center Lobby. (Please see our previous post for more details.) We hope to see you there!

The Office of Student Success & Assessment (OSSA) and the Office of Educational Enhancement (OEE) cordially invite you to attend an Open House on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 10am – 2pm in the UTD Conference Center Lobby, GEMS Center and OSSA.

Please drop by for a few minutes for refreshments, to meet our team members and get updated on:

• Assessment—sustaining improvement, momentum and value
• Teaching & Learning—workshops, consultation and conversation
• GEMS—facilities, learning enhancements, and initial impact of the QEP
• Distance Learning—innovations in e-learning and instructional design
• Student Success—how the GEMS/LRC ‘merger’ will create a one-stop shop for students
• Engagement—opportunities for students, faculty and staff university-wide to partner with and shape the future of OEE and OSSA

Please save the date. We hope to see you there!