The New Faculty Program (NFP) is designed to promote a robust, research-grounded understanding of teaching and learning.
This 3-semester offering is intended for those new to teaching at Calvin. An introduction to the program occurs at an August orientation and spans the following three semesters (fall, spring, and fall).
Program 1 (fall offering—1 semester)
The emphasis in Program 1 (first fall semester at Calvin) is on what you must know when new to teaching at Calvin. Discussions focus on essentials, such as writing exams, writing assignments, grading, facilitating class discussion, interpreting student evaluations, etc. Five-six meetings are held throughout the semester. Meetings are typically held on Friday afternoons from 3-4:30 p.m.
Program 2 (spring through fall offering—2 semesters)
Program 2 opens with an in-depth study of teaching and learning. Again, five-six meetings are held throughout the spring semester. Meetings are typically held on Friday afternoons from 3-4:30 p.m.
Faculty proposals
During the summer, faculty propose a pedagogical project they wish to implement in a course during the following fall semester. This proposal is submitted to the TLN for review. Faculty and TLN Fellows revise this proposal together.
Subsequently, faculty implement their project in a course taught the following fall semester. Peer observations and TLN Fellow observations take place to offer support. Faculty reflect on their effectiveness at the end of the semester and set new goals in a final report submitted to the TLN.
Programs 1 and 2 are independent. You may participate in one program and not the other.
If desired, faculty who complete Programs 1 and 2 can request that their department chair and/or academic dean be notified. Notification means administrators are told a faculty member completed Programs 1 and 2; details related to this work are kept confidential.
Questions? Contact the TLN Director, Crystal Bruxvoort.