Using Evidence to Improve Teaching

Closing the Loop: Using Evidence to Improve Teaching - Individually and Programmatically

Bradley Marks

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

11:15 - 1:00 (Lunch at 11:15, program starts at 11:30)

1400 Biomedical and Physical Sciences

Lunch provided

Abstract

Assessment-based evidence of student outcomes is central to improving teaching practice, both as individual teachers and as a collective faculty. This session will emphasize the importance of reflection and group distillation of assessment data as primary drivers for improving teaching strategies and curriculum design, with a goal of reducing “random” changes in practice and enhancing evidence-based continuous improvement. Examples of successful utilization of assessment data will be presented, and discussion will center on concrete approaches to implementing shared and collegial responsibility within an academic department.

Biography

Dr. Bradley Marks is professor, associate chair, and undergraduate program coordinator in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at Michigan State University. He has led the department’s continuous curriculum improvement process for over 16 years, including through three successful cycles of ABET accreditation self-study and review. An early adopter of web-based assessment tools, Marks manages departmental utilization of assessment data from students, course instructors, standardized national tests, alumni, and employer stakeholders. He also has received numerous teaching awards at the department, college, university, and national level. Marks earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in agricultural/food engineering from Michigan State University and Purdue University, respectively, and leads a multidisciplinary research team at the interface of engineering and microbiology, with current emphasis on microbial safety of low-moisture foods. Dr. Marks is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Michigan

Video of Session

PowerPoint Slides