Date:April 8, 2010
To:Mark Daily, Physical Science Dept Chair
Cc:XXXXXX XXXXXX, Dual-Credit Instructor for GEOL 101
From:YYYYY YYYY
Re:Classroom Evaluation of XXXXXX XXXXXX
Dear Mr. Daily:
On April 8, 2010, I observed the Physical Geology (GEOL 101) dual credit class taught at ***** High School by XXXXXX XXXXXX from 8 to 9 am. The purpose of my visit was to observe the teaching methods and content to ensure that the course is on par with Physical Geology courses taught on campus. Additionally, I visited with Mr. XXXXXX concerning teaching resources and what could the Physical Science Department could do to support his course. This academic year marks the second time that Mr. XXXXXX has taught dual credit Physical Geology.
Mr. XXXXXX uses the same textbook (but an older edition) that I use in my GEOL 101 course. His current GEOL 101 course is small and there were only four students present at the time of my visit.
The class began with Mr. XXXXXX reviewing the previous lab assignment which involved stream tables constructed of PVC pipe filled with colored sand. The experiment was conducted for students to observe fluvial processes involving sediment transportation and deposition. Mr. XXXXXX engaged the students by asking directed questions about what they had observed and learned from the activity. All students were eager to discuss their observations and all students had opportunities to respond to questions. Mr. XXXXXX used this discussion to introduce important terms such as “headward erosion” and “deposition”. He used PowerPoint slides and illustrations drawn on the whiteboard to explain fluvial processes and landforms. He also used examples of local features in the Snake River Canyon and personal stories from a trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River to make key points. Mr. XXXXXX ’s instructional techniques were effective and utilized a variety of strategies which kept the class engaged the entire hour. The students were very attentive and there was good rapport between Mr. XXXXXX and his students.
The content and knowledge conveyed during the class was mostly accurate. In discussing the geology of the Snake River Canyon in the vicinity of Shoshone Falls, Mr. XXXXXX misidentified the rocks at the bottom of the canyon as granite (they are actually rhyolite) and also stated that they were intruded (they were extruded or erupted from a volcano). This is an important distinction and it might be a good idea for Mr. XXXXXX to spend some time investigating and understanding some of the local geology that he is not familiar with. This could be done by attending field trips with my geology classes or researching various local areas in books or on pertinent websites (such as ISU’s Digital Atlas,
In discussing classroom materials, Mr. XXXXXX stated that he was in desperate need of more rock and mineral samples for use in the classroom. Indeed, I didn’t see any earth material samples in the room. A sufficient supply of rock and mineral samples is an important component of any geology classroom as rocks form the basis for much of our geologic interpretation. I told Mr. XXXXXX that I will help put together some rock samples that can be collected on my field trips and from CSI’s existing collection for his use. Mineral samples will need to be purchased and the department will try to supply the funds for these. Otherwise, Mr. XXXXXX is innovative in his approach to labs and has been able to come up with lab materials on his own. One item that needs to be added to his classroom (and was mentioned in my previous evaluation) is a global physical map that can be used to reference locations and current geologic events. A map helps students with spatial understanding and is a must in every geology classroom.
In conclusion, I believe Mr. XXXXXX is doing an adequate job of teaching Physical Geology. I saw several improvements in the course as compared to my last visit in April, 2009. Mr. XXXXXX appears to be getting more comfortable with the material and is refining his lab activities and teaching technique. He has made plans for a few field trips, but admitted that this was becoming increasingly difficult due to administrative issues. I look forward to continue working with Mr. XXXXXX in maintaining parallel curricula for GEOL 101.
Sincerely,
YYYYY Y YYYYY
Associate Professor of Geology