A. Teaching
Effective teachers show enthusiasm for their subjects and imagination in presenting them. They work confidently in their discipline, and they are able to make sound judgments about it. They demonstrate a command of their discipline by presenting it systematically and coherently, by making important connections between their discipline and other related fields of study, and by actively probing the boundaries and limitations of their disciplines.
Effective teachers are committed to the intellectual development of their students. They enable students to develop in their mastery of knowledge. Teachers accomplish this by encouraging the maturing of critical faculties, the cultivation of analytic and synthetic abilities, and the focusing of creative imaginations. Teachers are attentive to the progress of each of their students and encourage each student to become seriously engaged with the subject of the course.
Effective teachers are demanding, set high standards, and make their objectives clear, just as they have high expectations of themselves as professionals engaged with their disciplines. They are fair to and considerate of their students, just as they expect to be treated by their colleagues. In like manner, they are open to constructive comments about their teaching. They seek to improve their pedagogical skills, understanding that both knowledge and methods of knowing are subject to changes. They develop courses and teach them, and in so doing they sustain a dialogue with the liberal arts and sciences curriculum of the College so that both courses and the curriculum are mutually reinforcing.