Classroom Commentary: Case Studies on Faculty-Student Interaction


Laurie Hulcher
Assistant Director for Graduate Student Relations
Graduate School of Management and Technology
Published: September-October 2007

Category: » Fac-resources » Faculty-development

The Graduate School of Management and Technology introduces a new feature, Classroom Commentary: Case Studies on Faculty-Student Interaction, an online faculty development workshop that explores issues related to faculty-student classroom interaction. Based on research which shows that high levels of quality interaction (faculty to student, student to faculty, and student to student) and frequent feedback are as vital as strong curriculum when it comes to student academic success, the workshop uses a case study model to explore the causes, prevention, and handling of both typical and unexpected classroom interaction challenges. A team comprised of members representing faculty relations, student relations, and media support, developed the workshop which highlights some unique challenges of working with non-traditional students in a blended learning environment. Each case study provides multiple perspectives: faculty, student, administration, and policy; and is coupled with expert advice from seasoned academic staff members to strengthen and support skills in these areas.

Video Case Studies

The case study model has long been seen as an important means of instruction -- bridging theory, practice, and application; and encouraging the analysis of multiple viewpoints and resolutions. This is particularly true in the areas of teaching and student development because theory and best practices cannot be set apart from a clear understanding of the human factors. Through the video vignettes presented in Classroom Commentary, UMUC staff members hope to open a window to some interaction challenges faced by faculty in both the online and face-to-face learning environment. The cases are based on real-life experiences, and were created specifically to help faculty prevent these types of issues from arising in their classes, and to handle them fairly and equitably in the event that they do occur. Current topics include Using the WebTycho Gradebook, Faculty Presence in the Online Classroom, and Handling Allegations of Academic Dishonesty. While viewing the videos, faculty are encouraged to consider the questions provided on the website to stimulate thought about proactive classroom behavior and evaluate the likely outcome of various solutions. At the conclusion of each video, you will want to take a look at the feedback video to hear the perspective of Graduate School chairs and program directors.

Video Format

The case studies available in this online workshop are streaming videos with accompanying text transcripts. The latest free version of the RealPlayer plug-in is necessary to view the video clips. To download the free player, visit RealNetworks.

Commitment to Faculty Success

The video vignettes available in Classroom Commentary: Case Studies on Faculty-Student Interaction workshop are intended to support UMUC faculty success. After visiting the site and viewing the materials available, please share your comments and suggestions for other case study topics by clicking on the Share Your Ideas link at the bottom of each workshop page.

The authors extend special thanks to the staff and administrators who gave their skill and expertise to the video productions.

About the Author(s)

Laurie Hulcher, Assistant Director, GSMT, handles a vide variety of student communication, liaison, and case issues including student academic petitions and grievances. Within this role, she also provides guidance to faculty and graduate students on equitable processes for implementing the University's academic policies. 

Betsy Alperin, Assistant Dean, GSMT, manages faculty academic affairs. Her responsibilities include promoting programs to develop, reward, and retain faculty and enhance their effectiveness. She also teaches EDCP 100, Principles and Strategies of Effective Learning for SUS.  

Heloisa Siffert, Senior Instructional Support Specialist, Center for Support of Instruction, develops and delivers faculty training programs, and collaborates with the academic units on online classroom setup, course design, and resolving technical issues. Her areas of expertise include graphic design and web development.

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