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Validating teaching competencies for faculty members in higher education: A national study using the Delphi method

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Abstract

In this study the Delphi Method was used to validate teaching competencies of faculty members in higher education. Through the use of expert opinion, a panel of national leaders in college-level teaching validated twenty seven competencies as important or very important for faculty members who teach. Seven other competencies were rated slightly below a mean score of 4.0 suggesting, based on additional feedback by the panel, that the importance of some competencies may depend on specific variables found within a given context.

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Additional information

Kathleen S. Smith is Coordinator of Teaching Assistant Support at The University of Georgia, Office of Instructional Development. She holds graduate degrees from The University of Georgia and has served as Administrative Coordinator and Acting Head of The University of Georgia's intensive English program. Her research and teaching focus on the development and administrative support of teaching assistants with emphasis on International Teaching Assistants. Ronald D. Simpson is Director of the Office of Instructional Development at The University of Georgia, where he also is professor of Higher Education and Science Education. He holds degrees from The University of Tennessee and The University of Georgia.

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Smith, K.S., Simpson, R.D. Validating teaching competencies for faculty members in higher education: A national study using the Delphi method. Innov High Educ 19, 223–234 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01191221

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