FAQs About SCOT
What is SCOT?
Students Consulting on Teaching (SCOT) is a program sponsored by UVU’s Faculty Center. It employs trained students to provide instructors with feedback about teaching and learning in their courses.
What does a Student Consultant do?
A SCOT can serve as a recorder/observer who focuses on teaching behaviors, students’ participation, and the learning in the classroom. They can also film a class, interview your students, or provide other feedback to improve teaching and learning.
Who are SCOTs?
SCOTs are UVU students trained to provide instructors with confidential feedback on teaching and learning. As experienced students, they provide an unbiased outsider’s view.
What types of things might SCOTs observe?
SCOTs notice what’s going well (e.g. well-facilitated discussion, clear examples and explanatives, effective use of media). They can also watch for hindrances to student’s learning. For example, they might notice that the teacher is speaking too fast to allow students enough time to take notes.
Why not have a colleague or department chair observe my teaching?
Of course; do indeed have a colleague or department chair observe your class; better yet get their feedback on your course materials. Also consider SCOT; they are not involved in personal decisions or department politics. They are there to provide confidential feedback. Some faculty members may feel more comfortable examining teaching and learning situations with someone not involved in their department.
Is the SCOT from the same department as the teacher?
No, they provide an impartial outside perspective. They focus only on teaching behaviors, student participation and the learning—not on content. However, if the professor would like a SCOT from the same department, s/he can request one.
Why consider having a SCOT interview your students?
In SCOT interviewing, your students can allow them to share anonymously what helps them learn and what hinders them. This can be quite illuminating since teachers consider mid-course corrections as a result of the SCOT interviewing process and subsequent reports.
How can I know if the SCOT will provide helpful feedback?
There is no guarantee, but SCOTs have chosen to participate in this program, and they have training from the Faculty Center. They are eager to serve you and do what you think is helpful.
How do I request a SCOT?
Under the "SERVICES" pull-down list, select "SCOTs," then "Faculty Requests for SCOTs." Fill out the form and submit it to the SCOT student coordinator. S/he will contact you shortly after and assign you a student consultant.