DVD 2: Incident #1: "Missing Paper"
A student insists that she handed in a paper, but the instructor has
no record or recollection of it. The student then offers to print a
fresh copy. This encounter raises questions of fairness and flexibility.
DVD 2: Incident #2: "Losing Control"
An instructor who encourages lively classroom discussion encounters
problems as the class deteriorates into a verbal free-for-all. This
situation can be used to stimulate an exploration of guidelines for
equitable and effective class discussions.
DVD 2: Incident #3: "Voices of Women"
Two students meet with an instructor to suggest that his academic approach--
and his classroom behaviour--are biased towards male participation and
a male perspective. This scene tends to prompt discussion of a wide
variety of gender issues in the classroom.
DVD 2: Incident #4: "Harassment and Cultural Differences"
A Muslim teaching assistant appeals to her supervisor to confront a
male undergraduate student who the TA feels has been paying undue attention
to her. This stimulates discussion of cultural differences, perceived
harassment and the role of the harassment office.
DVD 2: Incident #5: "Diversity and Expectations"
A Chinese teaching assistant approaches a TA colleague for advice on
how to handle many of his North American students who don't seem to
do the required preparation for his Chemistry labs. This promotes exploration
of laboratory assistant supervision and cultural differences in teaching
and learning.
DVD 2: Incident #6: "Academic Standards"
An African-American student questions the comments that a professor
has written on his paper; he construes them as inappropriate and racist
while the instructor maintains that he must uphold reasonable academic
standards. This scene triggers discussion of the assumptions of the
cultural perspective of the academy and what may or may not constitute
racism.
DVD 2: Incident #7: "Trust and Fairness"
A student with special learning needs explains the reasons why she will
require a change in the format of an exam. The instructor wants to ensure
that this arrangement will be fair to other students. This encounter
stimulates discussion of the many issues related to the accommodation
of students with special needs.
DVD 2: Incident #8: "Group Assignment"
Two students explain to an instructor the problems that they are encountering
with a non-productive member of their project group. This scenario flags
issues related to the assignment of group work and group grades.
DVD 2: Incident #9: "Proof Perfect"
A student whose work has suddenly and dramatically improved is asked
by the course instructor to explain how he achieved this success. It
emerges that he received a good deal of assistance from a friend and
this raises the issue of when peer helping can lead to academic dishonesty.
DVD 2: Incident #10: "Publish or Perish"
A newer faculty member is given some advice by a senior member of his
department on the necessity of concentrating on research and publication
rather than on teaching. This encounter triggers discussion of ways
to achieve an acceptable balance in a variety academic responsibilities.
The following is a list of vignettes on each of our faculty and TA teaching development Critical Incident DVDs:
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