To help all students succeed in their academic pursuits, we need to meet/support them where they are at in their educational journey. It is recommended that this needed support include the following:
Clear Expectations in the Syllabi and Canvas Course. Students need clear instructions, defined expectations, and a fairly distributed workload to encourage overall success.
Frequent Messages/Announcements Throughout the Term. Ongoing communication (in person/virtual and online) is necessary to keep students up to date with where they are in each of their courses.
Timely, Personalized, and Concise Feedback on All Assignments. Students need consistent and personal feedback that will help them improve their skills, in plenty of time for them to make forward movement in their demonstration of skills through the next associated assessment/assignment.
Both in Person (if possible) and Virtual Individual and Group Office Hours. Offering different times and places (in person or online) for students to meet with you if they are in need of clarification or review, gives students one more way for them to see that you care.
Ongoing Feedback from Students. Gathering feedback from your students throughout the term, rather than waiting until the end of the course, allows you to make adjustments/improvements that will enhance their learning experience.
Peer Feedback From Your Colleagues. Gathering feedback from your peers, along with giving the same to your peers, allows you to consistently improve your teaching practice and better support your students.
While it is vitally important to consistently improve the quality of student interaction and support in all your courses, it is especially important to ensure that all distance-education courses, including asynchronous courses, meet or exceed the requirements for regular, substantive, faculty-initiated interaction as defined by the Department of Education and our accrediting body, the WASC Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC). Please review the updated guidance and regulations for student-faculty interaction in distance education courses.
