Teaching Excellence Handbook

As with most things, the key to successful classroom organization is preparation. Each instructor should think in advance about what he or she will need to facilitate students to accomplish in each class. Refer to the checklists at the end of this handbook.

• Is it necessary to take attendance? If so, what is the most efficient manner?
• Are A/V materials needed? If so, how can the material be set up quickly?
• Will students working in groups or individually? Will they need packets to engage in group work? Will special seating arrangements be necessary?
• What are the intended learning outcomes for the class?
• What preparation is necessary for students to accomplish these outcomes in class? What are the most important information and concepts for students to understand in order to experience effective learning in the class? 
• How will students engage with course concepts? Are there special activities for the class? 
• How can I organize student-related files?
• How can I best distribute materials to students and receive materials back from them?
• How will students assess their learning in this class? How will you assess their learning?

Preparing for record-keeping

One of the most astonishing things for new instructors is the sheer amount of “stuff” generated by a classroom of students. Instructors can save many headaches by setting up an organizational system before the semester even begins (keeping in mind, however, that it needs to be flexible to account for unexpected changes and challenges). Instructors should take note of the rules regarding retention of records, previously discussed in Chapter 2.

Helpful Hint

Set up folders in your e-mail client that will allow you to keep student correspondence in one place. If you are teaching multiple classes, you should have a folder for each class. You may want sub-folders for items such as make-up exam requests, draft papers, content questions, etc.

Obtain expandable file folders for each course you are teaching (or devote a portion of a file drawer to each course). Prepare files for specific administrative documents: ODA requests, athletic schedules (which document excused absences), attendance sheets (if you’re keeping them), and copies of exams/handouts/assignments.
 

Prepare separate folders for completed exams/answer sheets, assignments, and papers.

Even if you plan to return papers and assignments to students, some students will not pick them up in a timely manner. It will be better to have those materials neatly organized and easy to find if and when the students decide to collect their materials.

Maintain a separate set of folders for letters of recommendation (and the supporting documentation) as well as memos and forms related to academic dishonesty cases.