CF proposes new teaching committee

Faculty members hope to mentor new faculty on issues of pedagogy

Some members of the college faculty were tired of having no formal way to learn about pedagogy. And so they got a COT.

Dean of the College Clayton Koppes said, "One of the curious things about Oberlin is while teaching is the single most important thing at Oberlin, we have not had a committee on teaching."

The College Faculty Council has proposed establishing of a Committee on Teaching (COT) to remedy the problem. According to the proposal, the committee would be charged with coordintaing pedagogy-related events, helping to mentor new faculty and developing methods of teacher evaluation.

The proposal grew out of last year's long-range planning process. The "Broad Directions" document that summarized the results of the process said, "Faculty must be enabled and encouraged to develop their abilities in all respects: as engaging teachers at all levels, as mentors and advisors, and as role models."

Professor of History Steve Volk was instrumental in creating the proposal. Volk has previously organized a series of brown bag lunches on pedagogy.

"It's time it's made more formal," Volk said. "Teaching is something we think very positively of. The proposal is designed to recognize that and provide support for that."

Volk said COT would address pedagogy much as Oberlin Committee on Technology Enhanced Teaching (OCTET) has tackled technology in the classroom.

"With OCTET, now you know where to call," Volk said. "COT would be there to serve as a resource for faculty."

Koppes said innovations in pedagogy have created a stir among some faculty members in recent years. Although Koppes stressed that teaching styles inevitably vary by department, professor and subject matter, he said COT would act as a clearinghouse for teaching issues.

"Not only is there a buzz here about teaching, but naturally there's great interest in teaching," Koppes said.

"This is, indeed, what we do," Volk said. "Learning about teaching is a constant process. It doesn't stop when you get tenure."

The College Faculty Council has also proposed creating a "Teaching Excellence Award." The award, which would carry a $1,000 cash prize, would be given as many as three times a year.

"It's odd we don't do this," Volk said. "Very rarely do we make recognition public. This is a way to say 'nice going.'"

The proposals will be brought before the College Faculty on Tuesday.