Surviving and Thriving in the College Classroom
by Richard E. Lyons, Marcella L. Kysilka & George E. Pawlas
Written
especially for the aspiring or relatively new adjunct professor, the book's
table of contents appears below. Please note that each chapter of the
book contains the same last 4 elements: Through the Adjunct's Eyes, Tips
for Thriving, Review of Key Points, and Suggested Readings.
Chapter 1: So You've Decided to Pursue Part-Time College Teaching
- The Changing Environment of Higher Education
- Background and Motivation of Adjunct Professors
- The Discipline Leader's Perspective
Chapter 2: Obtaining an Adjunct Teaching Position
- The Discipline Leader's Decision-Making Strategy
- Preparing for the Interview
- During the Interview
- Following Up the Interview
Chapter 3: A Self-Directed Orientation Program
- Getting Focused
- Human Resource Issues
- General Logistical Information
- Services to Support Your Teaching
- Resources for Developing Your Teaching Skills
Chapter 4: Today's Undergraduate Student
- The Big Picture
- Traditional Students
- Nontraditional Students
- Emerging Influences
- Dealing Positively with Common Problem Situations
- Learning Styles
- What Students Want from College Instructors
Chapter 5: Planning Your Course
- Designing an Effective Course
- Identifying Possible Instructional Resources
- Developing Your Syllabus
- Planning Your Course Strategy
Chapter 6: Conducting an Effective First Class Meeting
- Create a Positive First Impression
- Introduce Yourself Effectively
- Clarify the Class Goals and Expectations
- Conduct an Activity that Introduces the Students to Each Other
- Learn Students Names
- Whet Students' Appetite for the Course Material
- Reassure Students of the Value of the Course
Chapter 7: Managing the Course Environment
- Organizing Your Course Materials
- Managing Your Course Plan
- Interpersonal Communications with Students
- Managing Class Time Effectively
- Retention of Students
- Professional Practices
- Surviving When You're Not Prepared for Class
Chapter 8: Instructor-Directed Learning Methods
- Today's Teaching and Learning Paradigm
- Creating a Positive Learning Environment
- Techniques of Effective Teaching Presentations
- Video Presentations
- Guest Speakers
Chapter 9: Student Directed Learning Methods
- The Contemporary View
- Orchestrating Effective Classroom Discussions
- Cooperative Learning
- Role Playing
- Experimental Learning
- Distance (or "Distributed") Learning
- Field Work
- Student Presentations
Chapter 10: Developing, Administering, and Analyzing Exams
- Examination Development Strategy
- Qualities of an Effective Examination
- Developing Objective Test Items
- Effective Essay Test Items
- Facilitating Student Success
- Administering the Examination
- Dealing Proactively with Student Cheating
- Scoring Objective Examinations
- Reviewing Results of Exams with Students
Chapter 11: Alternative Assessment
- Planning for Alternative Assessment in Your Course
- Options for Alternative Assessment
- Evaluating ALternative Assessment Activities
- Dealing with Plagiarism
Chapter 12: Bringing the Course to an Effective Conclusion
- Dealing Proactively with a Loss of Momentum
- The Challenge of Determining Grades
- Conducting Effective Closing Class Meetings
- Submitting End of Term Reports
Chapter 13: Evaluating Your Teaching
- Conducting Informal Student Evaluations
- Arranging Informal Observations by Colleagues
- Formal Student Ratings
- Formal Observation/Evaluation by Instructional Leader
- Self Evaluation of Your Teachings
Chapter 14: Building Your Part-Time Teaching Career
- Revisiting Your Goals
- Developing Yourself as a Teacher
- Building Your Following Among Students
- Developing Your Relationship with the Instructional Leader
- Cross-Fertilization with Your Full-Time Career
- The Future of Adjunct Professorship
- Maximizing Your Long-Term Options
To start using the information in The Adjunct Professor's Guide to Success: Surviving and Thriving in the College Classroom, you can purchase it on-line at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble
