Give an example of a time when you had to provide constructive feedback to a faculty member regarding their teaching skills. How did you approach the situation?

Faculty Development Coordinator Interview Questions

Sample answer to the question

A more solid answer

In my previous role as a Faculty Development Coordinator, I encountered a situation where I had to provide constructive feedback to a faculty member regarding their teaching skills. One faculty member had received feedback from students that they were not effectively engaging with the class and that the lectures were becoming monotonous. To approach the situation, I scheduled a meeting with the faculty member in a private and comfortable setting. I started the conversation by acknowledging their experience and expertise, highlighting the positive aspects of their teaching, such as their knowledge of the subject matter and dedication to student success. I then shared the specific feedback I had received from the students, providing examples of instances where the lack of engagement was evident. I made sure to emphasize that the goal of the feedback was to help the faculty member further excel in their teaching practice. I asked open-ended questions to encourage the faculty member to reflect on their teaching methods and invited them to share their thoughts and concerns. Together, we brainstormed possible solutions and strategies to improve student engagement, such as incorporating interactive activities, incorporating real-life examples, and using multimedia to enhance the learning experience. I offered my support in implementing these changes and suggested we regularly meet to assess progress. Throughout the conversation, I maintained a supportive and non-judgmental tone, focusing on collaboration and growth. The faculty member appreciated the constructive feedback and expressed gratitude for my approach and willingness to help them grow as an educator. They were open to trying the suggested strategies and expressed a commitment to continuous improvement.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing more details about the specific strategies discussed to improve student engagement, such as incorporating interactive activities, incorporating real-life examples, and using multimedia. It also includes information about the faculty member's response to the feedback, mentioning their willingness to try the suggested strategies and commitment to continuous improvement. However, it could further improve by mentioning the outcomes of implementing the suggested strategies and assessing progress.

An exceptional answer

In my previous role as a Faculty Development Coordinator, I encountered a situation where I had to provide constructive feedback to a faculty member regarding their teaching skills. One faculty member had received feedback from students that they were not effectively engaging with the class and that the lectures were becoming monotonous. To approach the situation, I scheduled a meeting with the faculty member in a private and comfortable setting, ensuring their comfort and confidentiality. I started the conversation by acknowledging their experience and expertise, highlighting specific instances where their teaching had positively impacted students' learning. I then sensitively shared the feedback I had received from the students, providing examples and asking open-ended questions to encourage reflection. I actively listened to the faculty member's perspective, validating their concerns and challenges. We collaboratively identified areas for improvement, focusing on student engagement strategies such as incorporating active learning techniques, creating opportunities for student discussion, and varying instructional methods. To support their development, I provided relevant resources and offered to observe their teaching and provide personalized feedback. We agreed on an action plan with specific goals and a timeline for implementation. Over the following months, I continued to meet with the faculty member regularly, providing ongoing support and feedback. As a result of our collaboration, the faculty member made significant improvements in their teaching. Student feedback indicated increased engagement, and their overall teaching evaluations improved. The faculty member expressed gratitude for the constructive feedback and ongoing support, acknowledging its positive impact on their professional growth and student outcomes.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer demonstrates exceptional communication and interpersonal skills by emphasizing the importance of confidentiality, actively listening to the faculty member's perspective, and validating their concerns and challenges. It also highlights the collaborative approach taken to identify areas for improvement and the specific strategies implemented, such as incorporating active learning techniques and creating opportunities for student discussion. The answer goes beyond the solid answer by mentioning the outcomes of implementing the strategies, such as increased student engagement and improved teaching evaluations. It also includes the faculty member's acknowledgment of the positive impact the feedback and support had on their professional growth and student outcomes.

How to prepare for this question

Familiarize yourself with adult learning theories and instructional strategies.
Reflect on past experiences where you had to provide feedback or guidance to colleagues or superiors.
Research techniques for effective feedback delivery, such as the SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact) model.
Consider how you can balance constructive feedback with highlighting the recipient's strengths and accomplishments.
Think about how you can support faculty members in implementing suggested improvements, such as providing resources or offering follow-up support.
Practice active listening and empathy to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment for feedback conversations.

What interviewers are evaluating

Effective communication and interpersonal skills