Resources for Instructional Effectiveness

What is Instructional Effectiveness?

Instructional effectiveness refers to the broad range of knowledge, preparation, skills, and attitudes that result in effective teaching and student learning. Instructional effectiveness is a complex construct and includes numerous dimensions, behaviors, skills, and characteristics. Teaching approaches, course modality, course material, learning activities, and assignments should be aligned with student preparation, course level (introductory, intermediate, advanced, graduate), and skills required for students to demonstrate accomplishment of intended student learning outcomes. There is not one single measure or indicator of instructional effectiveness. Typically, evaluating instructional effectiveness includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Numerous processes or those things that faculty/instructors do to facilitate student learning (e.g., pedagogies, teaching strategies, course learning activities and assessments)
  • Direct instructor classroom/instructional environment behaviors that represent required duties instructors must carry out in order for students to learn
  • Instructor characteristics that influence significantly students’ attitudes and behaviors in the learning environment (e.g., knowledgeable, approachable, interesting, and motivating)
  • Evidence of student learning outcomes from student response to instruction, course assessments, projects, performances, exhibitions, and culminating or signature assignments