Students all have range of skills & abilities. Some are slower to speak in class, more bashful, or have other barriers to demonstrating their knowledge. The smaller, more informal setting, is more inclusive. #MWSoTL 5/8
Office hours are also good for faculty (he says, grumpily). Convo can model curiosity, “how to college” norms, and gauge understanding of content. Also, can learn from students: see their experiences, understand what they bring to the class. Not just a one-way street. #MWSoTL 6/8
The elephant in the room: university admin also want faculty to be in offices, showing we’re working. Being present to answer drop-in questions. Of course, most faculty are good with online availability (even more after this year), but perception is powerful… #MWSoTL 7/8
Take away: faculty work hard. Office hours can be seen as extra burden, especially if not seen as useful or demanded by U admin. But if students can benefit and faculty can benefit (and higher-ups at U are placated), it’s a literal win-win.
How many do you offer? #MWSoTL 8/8
AVOIDING EMPTY OFFICE HOURS
Jay VanderVeen, Professor of Anthropology, @IUSouthBend
Why would students want to attend the infamous Faculty Office Hours? What do faculty get out of providing them? What does the university think? Let’s discuss. #MWSoTL 1/8
Full disclosure: I’m getting older& grumpier. I’ve chased a kid off my lawn. I’m happy reading books & listening to Cubs games in my office. Alone.
But I also teach First Year courses. I’ve learned students need help. #MWSoTL 2/8
While Dept. Chair, our faculty set policy that we would *REQUIRE* 100-level students to attend office hours. For points. Even contingent faculty-taught classes. This could be done by a) meeting in small groups, b) meeting instead of a quiz, or c) other creative ways. #MWSoTL 3/8
@IUSouthBend is hopping today. There are (distanced) events across campus, including the last bash for the @IUbicentennial. I'll be sharing some stories at the new Northside Hall Historical Marker. No screen outside, so here are some images of the building thru time. #IU200 /1
@IUSouthBend Classes were held from the 1910s to the 1950s at schools and the YMCA in South Bend and Elkhart. But the number of students was outgrowing the space. A plan was made to build the campus north of the St. Joe River. (1958 architectural drawing.) #IU200 /2
Groundbreaking for the 1st academic building at @IUSouthBend took place in 1959, featuring @IndianaUniv Chancellor Herman Wells. #IU200 /3
All campuses of @IndianaUniv, including @IUSouthBend, planned to celebrate 200 years of impact in the state and worldwide. Events included packing the @SBCubs stadium with alumni (@IUAA), a bus with @IUArtifacts sent on the road, & talks at the museum and elsewhere. #PATC5 /2
I got @IUBicentennial $ to hold a campus dig in 2018, training students in research design, excavation techniques. The public astopped by to talk to the students & share stories. This was pre-COVID 19 - we were very close to each other & everything was “high touch.” #PATC5 /3