Using Advisement as a Teaching Tool

Richard L. Myers, Ph.D.

Department of Biology

Southwest Missouri State University

The definition of the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL)

A systematic exploration and evaluation of teaching and learning processes that involve ongoing dialogue, documentation and dissemination of results. (SMSU, September, 2000)

The literature indicates that there are at least 3 perspectives to SoTL

the traditional notion of scholarship as the discovery and advancement of knowledge

assumption that SoTL is equated with teaching excellence SoTL can be equated with a reflective wisdom about practicing

what is known about teaching and use of research-based knowledge

A fourth perspective

The scholarship of teaching and learning involves demonstration of use of contemporary teaching methods and advisement.

Lucas, A. F. & Associates. (2000). Leading academic change. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass

Other resources

Collins, A. (1991) The role of computer technology in restructuring schools. Phi Delta Kappa, 73 (1) 28-36.

Menges, R. J. (1994). Teaching in the age of electronic information. In W. J. McKeachie Teaching tips, 9 ed. Lexington, MA: D. C. Heath.

The concern

The world's total production of information amounts to about 250 megabytes for each man, woman, and child on earth. Better understanding and better tools are desperately needed if we are to take full advantage of the ever-increasing supply of information. New approaches to teaching are necessary if students are to navigate and utilize this vast resource.

Our profession is changing Our profession is immersed in

the electronic information age Places greater responsibility for

learning upon the student Professors no longer control

students’ access to information Changes will require professors

to seek innovative ways to interact with students

CommentsWe have all had the sensation of

drowning in a sea of information -- the challenge we face is to learn to swim in that sea, rather than drown in it.

The only value added to a scheduled lecture is what the professor can contribute to the moment. The professor is the reason the meeting is being held.

Lifelong learning is any purposeful learning that an individual engages in throughout the life span...it is an activity engaged in...to gain greater individual self-fulfillment and to improve the quality of life for the individual and the emerging society. To achieve this requires moving away from a view of learning that is controlled outside the individual to a view of learning that is internally controlled by the individual.

A Model for Lifelong Learning, by N.V. Overly et al. (Phi Delta Kappa, 1980)

Philosophy of advising Traditional advising is simply an

extension of classroom teaching Communicating knowledge Raising questions Offering experiences to engage the

student Inspiring the student to further inquiry

So why separate the role of the teacher and advisor?

The change to coaching…

Some faculty consider themselves coaches as well as teachers Can you imagine students

with different abilities learning at different paces?

Can you imagine students cooperating rather than competing?

Case study

The partnership between student and professor…

Results in a successful academic program

Provides a selection of appropriate extracurricular activities

Identifies work experiences Assists in achievement of personal

goals Helps develop alternative goals

A professor assists students with advisement in other ways

Develop a study strategy

Work an alternative course into a curriculum

Use a course to enter a career

Use a course in a career

Innovative ways to interact with students using advising Instead of covering material, assist

students in sampling material Negotiate criteria that identifies

what is important Rather than rank students relative

to one another, negotiate standards specific to the individual

Innovative ways continued…. Shift from grading the individual to

grading collaborative contributions Go from reproducing knowledge to

demonstrating originality Rather than verify sources derive

standards for fair use of material

Advisement setting

Some students avoid advisement in a formal setting

Penn State has “Take Your Professor to Lunch “ program

Take Your Professor to Lunch Must be in a class of at least sixty

students The professor and at least 4

classmates must attend Participation cannot exceed ten You can participate only once per

semester

Harvard Assessment Seminars

Initiated faculty advisement not only in teaching but also in campus life

Found that student’s biggest concern is time

Another major concern is how to approach a faculty member

Teaching/advising is made easy by students who…

Are mature and serious about college

Assume responsibility for assigned work

Are active learners Respect and value learning, each

other and the professor

Teaching/advising is more difficult if the student appears

Passive and unmotivated

Disrespectful in class

Unprepared Close-minded and

intolerant

Effect of change

Will encourage the professor to… Identify learning

problems Help students find

solutions to problems Facilitate learning Prepare for the future

Conclusions Faculty should rethink

approaches to teaching and learning

The professorate is changing to keep up with an information explosion

Advisement is an extension of teaching