Committee on Academic Development/Elective Academic Programs
Annual Report for 2020-21
Annual Report for the Committee on Academic Development/Elective Academic Programs for 2020/2021
Telephone: 718-281-5274
Email: rakpinar@qcc.cuny.edu
______________________________________________________________________________
MEMBERS (2020-2021)
Rezan Akpinar, Health, Physical Education and Dance
Joanne Chang, Music
Merlinda Drini, Engineering Technology
David Pham, Mathematics and Computer Sciences
Taibu, Rex, Physics
Renee Rhodd, Academic Affairs
Susan Riekert, Nursing
Melissa Dennihy, English
Crystal Moscat, Academic Advisement
Mark Ulrich, Business (Steering Committee Designee)
Michael Pullin, Academic Affairs, President's Liaison
There were no student representatives attending meetings.
II) MEETING TIMES
The committee members met eight (8) times during 2020-2021: September 16h, 2020, October28th, 2020, November 25th, 2020, December 10th, 2020, February 15th, 2021 and March 18th, 2021 April 08th, 2021, May 06th, 2021
III) WEBPAGE
All agenda, minutes, and year-end reports have been updated on the college website for the academic period of 2020-2021 by the Chairperson, Dr. Rezan Akpinar.
IV) ACTIVITIES:
a)Temporary PNET Student Evaluation of Faculty Form was revised according to committee suggestions on Fall 2020. Column of "Not Applicable" was added to the choices. Changes in the form was due to the following:
The annual Faculty Survey by the Academic Development Committee was given to 766 members of the QCC faculty during mid-spring 2021. A total of 263 responded to the survey, however, many did not answer all of the questions. Broadly, representation of the various departments was achieved with a proportionally larger number responding from the English and Mathematics and Computer Science Departments.
The primary purpose of the survey was to receive feedback about the Student Evaluation survey. Questions were asked about the usefulness of all questions and inquiries were made about the relevancy of the survey questions in light of all teaching modalities (e.g. synchronous, asynchronous and hybrid).
The main findings were that for three of the questions on the Student Evaluation Survey, the ratings of usefulness and relevancy for all teaching formats was low enough to provide some evidence for a need to remove those questions from the spring 2021 survey instrument. These three questions were:
"Overall, the quality of instruction is comparable to an effective teacher in a traditional classroom."
"The instructor maintains a classroom atmosphere of respect towards differing viewpoints."
"The instructor encourages students to ask questions and participate in class activities."
Several new Student Evaluation Survey questions were suggested in the Faculty Survey by the Academic Development Committee. Three of the proposed questions received a relative large proportion of responses in support of the adoption of these new questions. These supported new proposed questions are:
“The instructor was supportive to the challenges students face in the online learning environment.”
“The instructor's use of technology-based resources enhanced student learning or instructor was innovative in enhancing student learning.”
“The instructor’s efforts toward creating a positive learning atmosphere in the teaching environment were acceptable.”
Findings
A total of 766 members of the QCC faculty were invited to take the annual survey by the Academic Development Committee. The survey asked questions about the Student Evaluation Form. The initial invitation to take the survey began on March 22, 2021 and the survey concluded on April 6, 2021. 263 faculty members responded to the survey, resulting in a response rate of 34.3%. The following tables show the responses to each of the closed-ended survey questions.
Q.2) Please select your department from the drop-down list below.
Department |
Count |
Percent |
Art & Design |
6 |
2.3 |
Biological Sciences & Geology |
18 |
6.8 |
Business |
13 |
4.9 |
Chemistry |
11 |
4.2 |
Did not answer |
24 |
9.1 |
Engineering Technology |
19 |
7.2 |
English |
38 |
14.4 |
Foreign Language & Literatures |
7 |
2.7 |
Health, Physical Education & Dance |
19 |
7.2 |
History |
4 |
1.5 |
Library |
1 |
0.4 |
Mathematics & Computer Science |
34 |
12.9 |
Music |
11 |
4.2 |
Nursing |
20 |
7.6 |
Other |
1 |
0.4 |
Physics |
7 |
2.7 |
Social Sciences |
19 |
7.2 |
Speech Communications & Theatre Arts |
10 |
3.8 |
Student Affairs |
1 |
0.4 |
Total |
263 |
100.0 |
The one respondent who selected “Other” did not specify the department in the next open-ended question.
Q4) Were you satisfied with the Fall 2020 Student Evaluation of Faculty Form for in-person classes?
Response |
Count |
Percent |
NA (Did not see the Fall 2020 Student Evaluation of Faculty Form) |
159 |
60.5 |
Yes |
48 |
18.3 |
Did not answer |
45 |
17.1 |
No |
11 |
4.2 |
Total |
263 |
100.0 |
Q5. Spring 2021 teaching style
Response |
Count |
Percent |
Synchronous |
111 |
42.2 |
Asynchronous |
59 |
22.4 |
Did not answer |
47 |
17.9 |
Hybrid |
33 |
12.5 |
Asynchronous,Synchronous |
8 |
3.0 |
Hybrid,Synchronous |
3 |
1.1 |
Hybrid,Asynchronous |
1 |
0.4 |
Hybrid,Asynchronous,Synchronous |
1 |
0.4 |
Total |
263 |
100.0 |
For questions 8 to 17, the following instructions were given:
Listed below are the questions which appeared on the Fall 2020 Student Evaluation of Faculty Form. Rate each question as useful or not useful.
Q8) The instructor presents the on-line materials in an organized manner.
Response |
Count |
Percent |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Useful |
172 |
65.4 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Did not answer |
83 |
31.6 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Not useful |
8 |
3.0 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
263 |
100.0 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Q9) The instructor responds to questions in a reasonable period of time as defined in the course syllabus and elsewhere on the course website.
Q10) The instructor provides feedback on assignments and graded materials in a reasonable period of time as defined in the course syllabus and elsewhere on the course website.
|
Q11) The instructor provides well-organized and logical explanations.
Response |
Count |
Percent |
Useful |
167 |
63.5 |
Did not answer |
83 |
31.6 |
Not useful |
13 |
4.9 |
Total |
263 |
100.0 |
Q12) The instructor provides clear objectives for the course.
Response |
Count |
Percent |
Useful |
156 |
59.3 |
Did not answer |
85 |
32.3 |
Not useful |
22 |
8.4 |
Total |
263 |
100.0 |
Q13) The instructor helped me learn the subject matter.
Response |
Count |
Percent |
Useful |
157 |
59.7 |
Did not answer |
83 |
31.6 |
Not useful |
23 |
8.7 |
Total |
263 |
100.0 |
Q14) The instructor encourages students to ask questions and participate in class activities.
Response |
Count |
Percent |
Useful |
160 |
60.8 |
Did not answer |
83 |
31.6 |
Not useful |
20 |
7.6 |
Total |
263 |
100.0 |
Q15) The instructor maintains a classroom atmosphere of respect towards differing viewpoints.
Response |
Count |
Percent |
Useful |
144 |
54.8 |
Did not answer |
82 |
31.2 |
Not useful |
37 |
14.1 |
Total |
263 |
100.0 |
The ratings of “useful” was somewhat less frequent for this question.
Q16) Assignments and exams are closely related to the course content.
Response |
Count |
Percent |
Useful |
167 |
63.5 |
Did not answer |
84 |
31.9 |
Not useful |
12 |
4.6 |
Total |
263 |
100.0 |
Q17) Overall, the quality of instruction is comparable to an effective teacher in a traditional classroom.
Response |
Count |
Percent |
Useful |
121 |
46.0 |
Did not answer |
83 |
31.6 |
Not useful |
59 |
22.4 |
Total |
263 |
100.0 |
The lowest percent responding “useful” was for this question.
Q20) Are there any questions on the Fall 2020 Student Evaluation of Faculty Form which are NOT applicable to either the synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid teaching formats? Check all that apply. (We would like the questions on the Spring 2021 form to be applicable to all
three online teaching styles.)
Response |
Count |
Percent |
Did not answer |
193 |
73.4 |
Assignments and exams are closely related to the course content. |
2 |
0.8 |
Overall the quality of instruction is comparable to an effective teacher in a traditional classroom. |
21 |
8 |
The instructor encourages students to ask questions and participate in class activities. |
3 |
1.1 |
The instructor encourages students to ask questions and participate in class activities.,Overall the quality of instruction is comparable to an effective teacher in a traditional classroom. |
3 |
1.1 |
The instructor encourages students to ask questions and participate in class activities.,The instructor maintains a classroom atmosphere of respect towards differing viewpoints. |
2 |
0.8 |
The instructor encourages students to ask questions and participate in class activities.,The instructor maintains a classroom atmosphere of respect towards differing viewpoints.,Overall the quality of instruction is comparable to an effective teacher in a traditional classroom. |
6 |
2.3 |
The instructor helped me learn the subject matter. |
2 |
0.8 |
The instructor helped me learn the subject matter.,The instructor maintains a classroom atmosphere of respect towards differing viewpoints. |
1 |
0.4 |
The instructor helped me learn the subject matter.,The instructor maintains a classroom atmosphere of respect towards differing viewpoints.,Overall the quality of instruction is comparable to an effective teacher in a traditional classroom. |
1 |
0.4 |
The instructor maintains a classroom atmosphere of respect towards differing viewpoints. |
2 |
0.8 |
The instructor maintains a classroom atmosphere of respect towards differing viewpoints.,Assignments and exams are closely related to the course content.,Overall the quality of instruction is comparable to an effective teacher in a traditional classroom. |
1 |
0.4 |
The instructor maintains a classroom atmosphere of respect towards differing viewpoints.,Overall the quality of instruction is comparable to an effective teacher in a traditional classroom. |
4 |
1.5 |
The instructor presents the on-line materials in an organized manner. |
2 |
0.8 |
The instructor presents the on-line materials in an organized manner.,Overall the quality of instruction is comparable to an effective teacher in a traditional classroom. |
1 |
0.4 |
The instructor presents the on-line materials in an organized manner.,The instructor responds to questions in a reasonable period of time as defined in the course syllabus and elsewhere on the course website.,The instructor provides feedback on assignments and graded materials in a reasonable period of time as defined in the course syllabus and elsewhere on the course website.,The instructor provides well-organized and logical explanations.,The instructor encourages students to ask questions and participate in class activities.,The instructor maintains a classroom atmosphere of respect towards differing viewpoints.,Overall the quality of instruction is comparable to an effective teacher in a traditional classroom. |
1 |
0.4 |
The instructor presents the on-line materials in an organized manner.,The instructor responds to questions in a reasonable period of time as defined in the course syllabus and elsewhere on the course website.,The instructor provides feedback on assignments and graded materials in a reasonable period of time as defined in the course syllabus and elsewhere on the course website.,The instructor provides well-organized and logical explanations.,The instructor provides clear objectives for the course.,The instructor helped me learn the subject matter.,Assignments and exams are closely related to the course content. |
1 |
0.4 |
The instructor presents the on-line materials in an organized manner.,The instructor responds to questions in a reasonable period of time as defined in the course syllabus and elsewhere on the course website.,The instructor provides feedback on assignments and graded materials in a reasonable period of time as defined in the course syllabus and elsewhere on the course website.,The instructor provides well-organized and logical explanations.,The instructor provides clear objectives for the course.,The instructor helped me learn the subject matter.,The instructor encourages students to ask questions and participate in class activities.,The instructor maintains a classroom atmosphere of respect towards differing viewpoints.,Assignments and exams are closely related to the course content.,Overall the quality of instruction is comparable to an effective teacher in a traditional classroom. |
2 |
0.8 |
The instructor provides clear objectives for the course. |
2 |
0.8 |
The instructor provides clear objectives for the course.,The instructor helped me learn the subject matter.,The instructor encourages students to ask questions and participate in class activities. |
1 |
0.4 |
The instructor provides clear objectives for the course.,The instructor maintains a classroom atmosphere of respect towards differing viewpoints. |
1 |
0.4 |
The instructor provides feedback on assignments and graded materials in a reasonable period of time as defined in the course syllabus and elsewhere on the course website. |
2 |
0.8 |
The instructor provides feedback on assignments and graded materials in a reasonable period of time as defined in the course syllabus and elsewhere on the course website.,The instructor provides well-organized and logical explanations.,The instructor encourages students to ask questions and participate in class activities.,The instructor maintains a classroom atmosphere of respect towards differing viewpoints. |
1 |
0.4 |
The instructor provides well-organized and logical explanations.,The instructor encourages students to ask questions and participate in class activities.,The instructor maintains a classroom atmosphere of respect towards differing viewpoints. |
1 |
0.4 |
The instructor responds to questions in a reasonable period of time as defined in the course syllabus and elsewhere on the course website. |
1 |
0.4 |
The instructor responds to questions in a reasonable period of time as defined in the course syllabus and elsewhere on the course website.,The instructor provides feedback on assignments and graded materials in a reasonable period of time as defined in the course syllabus and elsewhere on the course website.,Assignments and exams are closely related to the course content.,Overall the quality of instruction is comparable to an effective teacher in a traditional classroom. |
1 |
0.4 |
The instructor responds to questions in a reasonable period of time as defined in the course syllabus and elsewhere on the course website.,The instructor provides feedback on assignments and graded materials in a reasonable period of time as defined in the course syllabus and elsewhere on the course website.,Overall the quality of instruction is comparable to an effective teacher in a traditional classroom. |
1 |
0.4 |
The instructor responds to questions in a reasonable period of time as defined in the course syllabus and elsewhere on the course website.,The instructor provides feedback on assignments and graded materials in a reasonable period of time as defined in the course syllabus and elsewhere on the course website.,The instructor provides clear objectives for the course.,The instructor encourages students to ask questions and participate in class activities. |
1 |
0.4 |
The instructor responds to questions in a reasonable period of time as defined in the course syllabus and elsewhere on the course website.,The instructor provides feedback on assignments and graded materials in a reasonable period of time as defined in the course syllabus and elsewhere on the course website.,The instructor provides clear objectives for the course.,The instructor helped me learn the subject matter.,The instructor maintains a classroom atmosphere of respect towards differing viewpoints.,Assignments and exams are closely related to the course content. |
1 |
0.4 |
The instructor responds to questions in a reasonable period of time as defined in the course syllabus and elsewhere on the course website.,The instructor provides feedback on assignments and graded materials in a reasonable period of time as defined in the course syllabus and elsewhere on the course website.,The instructor provides clear objectives for the course.,The instructor helped me learn the subject matter.,The instructor maintains a classroom atmosphere of respect towards differing viewpoints.,Overall the quality of instruction is comparable to an effective teacher in a traditional classroom. |
1 |
0.4 |
The instructor responds to questions in a reasonable period of time as defined in the course syllabus and elsewhere on the course website.,The instructor provides well-organized and logical explanations.,The instructor provides clear objectives for the course.,The instructor helped me learn the subject matter.,The instructor encourages students to ask questions and participate in class activities.,The instructor maintains a classroom atmosphere of respect towards differing viewpoints.,Assignments and exams are closely related to the course content. |
1 |
0.4 |
Total |
263 |
100 |
Responses (survey statements) to question 20 with a count of 4 or more are highlighted in yellow in the table above. The table above shows clustered results showing counts for each respondent. It shows the counts for all outcomes (selecting one or more questions). This format is not easily “digestible” but does show where responses clustered. The main distilled outcomes are shown in the Summary/Conclusion section of this report under the subsection “Questions that might be removed”.
Survey participants were given the following instructions for questions 22 and 23:
Below are the two open ended questions which appeared on the Fall 2020 Student Evaluation of Faculty Form. Please rate the questions as useful or not useful.
Q22) What did you like best about this class?
Response |
Count |
Percent |
Useful |
152 |
57.8 |
Did not answer |
86 |
32.7 |
Not useful |
25 |
9.5 |
Total |
263 |
100 |
Q23) Recommend this instructor to a friend? Why?
Response |
Count |
Percent |
Useful |
126 |
47.9 |
Did not answer |
87 |
33.1 |
Not useful |
50 |
19.0 |
Total |
263 |
100 |
A relatively larger percentage did not seem to find the statement in question 23 to be useful.
Q24) Below are some possible questions that may be added to the Spring 2021 Student Evaluation of Faculty Form. Select any which you believe would be helpful.
Response |
Count |
Percent |
Did not answer |
153 |
58.2 |
The instructor was supportive to the challenges students face in the online learning environment. |
22 |
8.4 |
The instructor's use of technology-based resources enhanced student learning or instructor was innovative in enhancing student learning. |
8 |
3.0 |
The instructor's use of technology-based resources enhanced student learning or instructor was innovative in enhancing student learning.,The instructor was supportive to the challenges students face in the online learning environment. |
18 |
6.8 |
The instructor’s efforts toward creating a positive learning atmosphere in the teaching environment were acceptable. |
6 |
2.3 |
The instructor’s efforts toward creating a positive learning atmosphere in the teaching environment were acceptable.,The instructor was supportive to the challenges students face in the online learning environment. |
18 |
6.8 |
The instructor’s efforts toward creating a positive learning atmosphere in the teaching environment were acceptable.,The instructor's use of technology-based resources enhanced student learning or instructor was innovative in enhancing student learning. |
5 |
1.9 |
The instructor’s efforts toward creating a positive learning atmosphere in the teaching environment were acceptable.,The instructor's use of technology-based resources enhanced student learning or instructor was innovative in enhancing student learning.,The instructor was supportive to the challenges students face in the online learning environment. |
33 |
12.5 |
Total |
263 |
100 |
The table above shows how determinations of “helpfulness” of possible new questions clustered because respondents could choose more than one question. In the aggregate, there are clusters of questions which were deemed to be helpful. The most frequent cluster was of 33 respondents who believed that all three questions would be helpful.
It may be more informative if the results are disaggregated. The table below shows disaggregated results. Counts equal the number of respondents who deemed the question to be helpful.
Possible New Question |
Count |
The instructor was supportive to the challenges students face in the online learning environment. |
81 |
The instructor's use of technology-based resources enhanced student learning or instructor was innovative in enhancing student learning. |
64 |
The instructor’s efforts toward creating a positive learning atmosphere in the teaching environment were acceptable. |
62 |
Summary/Conclusions
Questions that might be removed
The survey results provide some evidence for the removal of three Student Evaluation Survey questions as follows:
For two of the questions, the evaluations of usefulness showed that they were relatively less useful. They are:
“The instructor maintains a classroom atmosphere of respect towards differing viewpoints.”and
“Overall, the quality of instruction is comparable to an effective teacher in a traditional classroom.”
Also, for these two questions, the survey revealed that a relatively large number of respondents (responding to the question) indicated that they are not applicable to all three teaching formats. From question 20 in the survey it was found that 43 respondents indicated that the question "Overall, the quality of instruction is comparable to an effective teacher in a traditional classroom." is not applicable to all three formats.
There were 26 respondents who indicated that the question "The instructor maintains a classroom atmosphere of respect towards differing viewpoints." is not applicable to all three formats.
For the third question that might be removed, "The instructor encourages students to ask questions and participate in class activities.", the usefulness rating was not terribly low, however, through question 20 it was revealed that 22 respondents indicated that it is not applicable to all three teaching formats.
Questions that might be added.
It is clear that a substantial number of respondents are in favor of three questions. Of those who responded to the faculty survey question (110 responded) the percentage of those who supported the addition of the following new questions were:
- 74% supported “The instructor was supportive to the challenges students face in the online learning environment.”
- 58% supported “The instructor's use of technology-based resources enhanced student learning or instructor was innovative in enhancing student learning.”
- 56% supported “The instructor’s efforts toward creating a positive learning atmosphere in the teaching environment were acceptable.”
c)Subcommittee on Accessibility: The ADEAP committee in conjuction with Accessibility committee created and presented a two part workshop on Universal Design for Learning. Workshop was in response to Fall 2020 Faculty survey, which Accessibility committee had provided questions to.
d) Faculty Development Workshops:
The Academic Development Committee arranged the following workshops in colloboration with CETL and eLearning Committee.
“Finding the Balance – Communication, Feedback, and Time Management.” Apr 06, 2021 Dr. M. Dennihy
“Tips for Teaching from Home More Comfortably.”April 07, 2021, Dr. K. Kolack
“Using Voice Thread to Achieve Learning Goals.”April O8, 2021 Dr. P. Bhansali
“Using Ted-Ed to Create Scaffolded Lessons.” Apri15, 2021 Prof. S. Lago
“A Little bit of empathy goes a long way.” April 21, 2021 Dr. A. Callwood
“Flipgrid- Establishing Community in the Remote Classroom.” April 22, 2021 Prof. J. Yi
“Incorporating Universal Design for Learning in Online Teaching.” April 29, 2021 Dr. A. Ridinger-Dotterman, Prof. K. Alves
“Creating a growth mindset to foster student motivation “May 06, 2021 Facilitators: Dr. R. Akpinar,
Dr. I. Schrynemakers
Academic Development and Elective Programs committee also co-sponsored programs and workshops;
CETL workshops.
Student Development Workshops:
Mindfulness club Thrive Series:
“Forging an Ethical Path for Secular Mindfulness”
Feb 19, 2021Speaker: Dr. Frank Diaz, Ph.D.
“Stress and Anxiety: Beneficial or Destructive?”
Feb 25, 2021, Speaker: Dr. Rezan Akpinar
“Gratitude Journaling Event” March O3, 20201
Speaker: Prof. B. Miller and Prof. A. Crimino
“Healthy Life Balance: Yoga and Meditation” March 04 2021 Speaker: Dr. Andrea Salis, Ph.D.
“Art & Mind” March 11, 2021 Speaker: Prof. Susan Gonzalez
“Peacebuilding Through Awareness and Improvisation-Part 1” March 12,2021 Speakers: H.Huggins
“Brain Dance: Integrating Mind and Body to Facilitate Focus” March 17, 2021 Speaker: Prof. Nicole Y. Mclaim MFA, CMA
“Music Without Borders: A Pianist Journey with Mindfulness: March 19, 2021 Speaker: Dr. Joanne Chang Ph.D
“Mindfulness and Dicipline-Balancing our Activities of Daily Life” April 09, 2021 Speaker: David Listen
“Mindfulness Oriented Psychotherapy” April 16, 2021 Speaker: Dr. Peter Lin, PhD.
“Peacebuilding Through Awareness and Improvisation-Part 2” April 24,2021 Speakers: H.Huggins
Co-sponsored programs with e
e)
V) COMMITTEE MEMBERS (2020-2021)
Rezan Akpinar, Health, Physical Education and Dance
Joanne Chang, Music
Rondi Davies, Department of Biological Sciences and Geology
Melisa Dennihy, English Department
Crystal Moscat, Academic Advisement
Lyubomir I. Boyadzhiev , Mathematics and Computer Sciences
Carlene Byfield, Nursing
Rex Taibu, Physics
Michael Pullin, Academic Affairs, President's Liaison
Jenifer Klein - Office of Student Conduct
Mark Ulrich - Steering Committee Designee
VI) ELECTION
On May 06, 20201 elections for Chairperson and Secretary were held. Elections were held by online voting. The seven (7) voting committee members were present.
(a) Chairperson: Rezan Akpinar (7 votes)
(b) Co-Chair: Mellisa Dennihy(7 votes)
(c) Secretary: Crystal Moscat(7 votes)
VII) ACTION PLAN FOR 2021-2022
The committee members propose the following action plan for 2021-2022:
a) The committee will continue to review, evaluate, and report to the Academic Senate on the system of student evaluation of faculty. Present and innitiate the change in the Student Evaluation Form of the Faculty.
b) The committee will work with the E-Learning Committee on preparing workshops for faculty development
c) The committee will work on committee guidelines according to suggestions of the Steering Committee
d) The committee will work on name change and abreviation of the name of the committee. Develop a logo for the committee.
d) The committee will be working with CETL in arranging a workshop in SOTL- Scholarship of Teaching and Learning workshop series. The committee will continue to collaborate with CETL and the Office of Academic Affairs to promote and expand on faculty and student development programs.