Teaching Effectiveness

"The empowerment and passion I feel after your class is something I have not felt before in my undergraduate career. I am now trying to think about how I can apply this passion to a career, perhaps in public health. I would love to be able to shed a critical eye on existing and future programs. I'm certainly going to miss this class when it is over." (4th year student)

Formal Student Evaluations: Quantitative Data

The University Survey of Student Assessment of Teaching (USAT) evaluation was administered for all courses I taught. Scores rated on a five-point scale: 1 = strongly disagree and 5 = strongly agree.

My scores were notably lower the first time I taught a large, mandatory class (HLTH 305-Health Policy). Knowing that students were struggling to connect with the material, I collected mid-term feedback and adjusted my approach in several areas, such as introducing weekly reading guides to help students prioritize information from a challenging textbook and prepare them for class activities. I was invited to teach HLTH 305 again the following year, suggesting that such scores are not uncommon for this course. As much as I would have appreciated the opportunity to implement what I had learned, I declined, wanting to focus attention on my new postdoctoral position.

Teaching Assistant student evaluations were administered by the department upon request. Scores rated on a five-point scale: 1 = strongly disagree and 5 = strongly agree. Comparison means not available.

Formal Student Evaluations: Qualitative Feedback

Fostering Intellectual Rigor

“I loved how much this course challenged me. Excellent teaching methods and lots of positive feedback made for a comfortable environment.”

“I like that the course required me to read and think critically rather than to memorize facts. While it definitely takes me more time and effort to produce the kind of writing required by this course, I am happy with the work I produced.”

“This course has taught me how to write and participate in a critical discussion. This has easily been my favourite course I’ve taken at Queen’s.”

“She was able to make difficult concepts easy by relating them back to everyday life experiences.”

Embracing Risk

“Andrea has helped me become a stronger writer and has pushed me intellectually beyond what I thought I was capable of through her feedback on my work.”

“She was always pushing us to dig deep into the issues and make connections in ways that we may not have thought to.”

“This course was amazing! I learned so much, and changed my perspective about so many things.”

“[Andrea] allowed for students to express themselves in a safe environment without the fear of being ‘wrong.’”

Building a Learning Community

“[She] facilitated an excellent space to question and explore concepts.”

“She made it fun and interesting.”

“Probably the best teacher I have ever had.”

“You seem passionate about both the education of your students as well as their successes and it is this that makes you such a good instructor."

Colleague Evaluations: Representative Comments

“Students seem to appreciate your friendly, thoughtful approach to teaching. You come across as knowledgeable, organized, and well prepared. You are thoughtful of students and the way they learn.” (Educational Developer observing HLTH 495. See the full letter.)

“You have a relaxed and comfortable style; the students clearly felt comfortable with you.” (Course Instructor commenting on guest lecture)

“Your use of interactive technology was productive and was carefully balanced with other learning strategies.” (Peer observation of writing workshop)

Teaching Award Nomination

The Health Studies Professor Award (2013/2014)

Nominated for HLTH 495, Queen’s University

Adjudicated by the Health Studies Departmental Student Council to recognize the outstanding contribution of a teacher in the Health Studies department in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies. Candidates are student-nominated on the following criteria: engaging and inspiring; available beyond class time hours; friendly and approachable; knowledgeable; and presents well-prepared lectures.