Core Competency 4: Understanding the University Context

Core Competency 4: Understanding the University Context

Description of Core Competency

Each and every individuals are different in terms of life style, philosophy, career planning and types of achievements they want to accomplish. Here comes the fourth core competency - Understanding the university context. It encompasses a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics and multifaceted aspects of the modern-day university environment, enabling educators to effectively navigate and thrive within this unique setting. It assists future educators in aligning their personal philosophies and visions with the mission of educationa institutions to find a suitable fit. Otherwise, one fine morning they will feel like fish out of water. Moreover, educators with a strong grasp of the university context are knowledgeable about the key stakeholders involved in the academic ecosystem. They recognize the roles and responsibilities of administrators, faculty members, support staff, and governing bodies, and understand how these various individuals and groups collaborate to create an effective learning environment. This understanding allows educators to engage meaningfully with colleagues and contribute to institutional decision-making processes. Within the university context, the educators can align their teaching practices with the academic goals and values of the institutions, enhancing student learning experiences and fostering a culture of intellectual growth. Additionally, educators who excel in understanding the university context are attuned to the social and cultural dynamics within higher education. They appreciate the importance of diversity, inclusion, and the evolving needs and expectations of students and society. By acknowledging and responding to these dynamics, educators create inclusive and equitable learning environments, ensuring that their teaching is responsive to the diverse needs of their students. Finally, educators with this core competency recognize and address the contemporary challenges faced by universities. They stay informed about funding constraints, technological advancements, and the demand for accountability and relevance. By staying current with trends and developments, educators can adapt their teaching methodologies and approaches to meet the evolving needs of students and the demands of the broader society.

Workshop and Seminar List

"Certification in College Teaching Institute: Understanding the University Context - Aligning Teaching w/Different Institutional Types & Missions"

• Date(s): May 12, 2022

• Instructor(s): Judith Stoddart, Ph.D.

• Offered By: Michigan State University

Artifact(s) - Workshop materials

Material Developed (During Workshop)

Artifact Material Rationale(s)

The workshop as well as artifact materials have two fold essence on me as a future educator. 

• It helps me out to identify the types of institutes I would like to work now or any changed circustances. 

• By appreciating the rich heritage and traditions that shape specific universities, we as an educator provide context and perspective to our teaching, infusing our instructional practices with a deeper understanding of the academic world.

On the other hand, have a teaching philosophy helps me to 

• Clarify my purpose and intentionas as teacher, what I hope to achieve through my teaching.

• Make informed decisions about instructional methods, creating effective learning environments, student activities, as well as assessments.

• Establishing a teaching indentity i.e., style, approaches and principles.

Interpretation/reflection

What skills and techniques did I learn that will help me become a better educator?

It seems that there are 3900 postsecondary institutes here in US. Those institutions can be divided into different category , and they are different in terms of teaching and learning. Each category of institutions focuses on different learning goals and outcomes. So, figuring out where I will be fitting in is a big challenge. Two years ago when I talked with my career goals of becoming a tenured track professor and mentioned to join CCT program, my advisor asked me which types of institute I have chosen - research intensive, comprehensive or liberal arts college. Although, I intend to be in a research intensive university, I need to teach both undergrad and grad level courses. Therefore, I see the program as beneficial in either ways.

I learned different types of Teaching Philosophy i.e., Teaching Statement, Teaching Interests, and some are blended with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Need to be careful where I am applying and what is the institution requirements.

What things am I still uncertain about regarding this topic that I need to investigate further in the future?

Should work more on developing a teaching statement. It should come out from my heart. More on evidence based.

How can I apply materials from this session to my own class to enhance the effectiveness of teaching and learning?

Since this session has focused on teaching philosophy developments, I learned more about developing teaching philosophy and that eventually help me to set my teaching goals and enhance effectiveness of my teaching. Moreover, choosing a place which match up with my taste, vision and goal is an important things. In future, I will apply my knowledge from this workshop to sort out institutes. Throughout the workshop, we have been shown the types of postsecondary institutes here in United States and their mission. We have been through the mission statements of each types of institute and try to undestand their goals and focal points. I found few of my labmates joined as a faculty of liberal art colleges, few of them are ended up in comprehensive university. Now, I know why, it is because of their choices matched up with the type of instutues. The workshop helped me to figure out my choice i.e., the type of institute I would like to work in and take initiative so that I can reach there. In the second part of the workshop, we have been trying to find out our educator identity, own teaching philoshopy and tried to develop a teaching philosophy statement. Therefore, I find the workshop extremely valuable in terms of matching my philoshopy with types of institutions' philosophy.