Assessing the Culture of Teaching at a Large Land-Grant University

• In Event: Teaching Quality and the Culture of Teaching

Abstract

This study sought to answer the question: How do faculty describe the culture of teaching at a large land-grant university? A sequential mixed methods case study was selected, utilizing survey and focus-group methodology. Faculty indicated they were doing a number of teaching and advising tasks and doing them well, yet those tasks were somewhat important with the institution placing little value on the tasks. Faculty also indicated they cared about teaching, but were increasingly concerned about having time to do more with less. However, faculty also noted the importance of research in the quality and rigor of research for teaching. This study emerges interesting questions about resources, policies and reward structures related to faculty work.

Authors

• Anna Leigh Ball, University of Florida

• Tracy J. Kitchel, University of Missouri

• Jeni Hart, University of Missouri - Columbia