Frequency, topic, and preferences: Tracking student engagement with several modalities of student–instructor contact in a first‐year course

Abstract

Meaningful student–instructor interactions during an undergraduate degree course can have important effects on student learning. The format by which those interactions are made possible can vary greatly. We investigated the preferred modality of contact and students’ reasons for contact across several modalities in a first‐year biology course. We tracked student–instructor contact for two‐course instructors who team teach collaboratively (rather than sequentially) across two‐course sections. Both instructors had identical scores on student evaluations of approachability. Student–instructor contact was facilitated using five ‘student hour’ modalities: (a) in office by appointment, (b) 1 h per week, in office drop in, (c) 1 h per week, virtual chat, (d) by email, (e) 10 min immediately after class. Though email was the preferred method of contact, the period immediately following the class instruction was the most popular of the face‐to‐face options. We note significant differences in the distribution of workload across the two instructors and make recommendations for increasing the accessibility of student–instructor contact and for equity in workload to support student learning.

Is Discussing Identity More Important Than Shared Identity To Student-Staff Relationship Building?

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Analisis Student Course Engangement Dan Faktor-Faktor Yang Mempengaruhinya: Studi Kasus Pada Mahasiswa Fakultas Ekonomi Universitas Negeri Medan

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“…One of the academic programs offered by the Faculty of Economics is Accounting Education, with the objective of preparing students to graduate as exceptional professionals. [1] In accounting education, the factors influencing students success levels are crucial to understand. One significant factor contributing to student success is the level of engagement with the courses they are taking.…”