UWA SPOT/SET Project

111)          I have found the teacher to be available for consultation apart from formal class times

Students particularly value the opportunity to consult with their teacher while rarely taking up the option. They often give a low rating on this item. Providing the opportunity is seen by students as an expression of concern by the teacher for individual students’ learning. Some staff have an open door approach while others structure ‘office hours’, when they are available for consultation with students, and post this information on their door. Discussion of availability for consultation with students in the first class is a good way to ensure that whatever arrangement is put in place will be workable for both students and the teacher. In some situations ‘virtual office hours’, for electronic communication between students and teachers, may be appropriate.

·         A brief and insightful note on the effectiveness of ‘office hours’ is provided in Gullette (1984)

Gullette, M. (Ed.). (1984). The art and craft of teaching (2nd ed.). Cambridge, MA: Harvard-Danforth Center for Teaching and Learning.