Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are faculty mentoring networks?

Faculty Mentoring Networks (FMNs) are a method for building supportive communities of faculty interested in addressing similar challenges around teaching quantitative biology.  FMNs usually consist of anywhere from ten to twenty faculty participants working with content and pedagogical mentors from the community. The groups share a private space on the QUBESHub where they can have discussions, share resources, and manage group projects.  The larger group is subdivided into smaller groups to facilitate discussions. Faculty work together to brainstorm, plan, troubleshoot and generally support one another in their efforts to implement new materials or approaches in the classroom. Mentors facilitate the discussion and provide some guidance and resources.

As faculty grapple with the many details and new challenges of implementing fundamental changes in their classrooms, ongoing community interaction is vital. The virtual nature of FMNs makes this long-term interaction possible by reducing both time and financial barriers to participation.

2. Is this opportunity only available to full-time faculty or can a long-term adjunct faculty member apply?

Yes, adjunct faculty are welcome to apply.

3. Do the materials need to be implemented in a Fall 2016 course or could they be implemented during the following term?

Ideally, the materials would be implemented in Fall 2016. However, if accepted into the network, participants who are not able to implement the modules in Fall 2016 would be expected to generate other products e.g. ideas for extensions or adaptations of the modules for implementation in the fall.

4. How is the network being assessed? Is the assessment focused on the faculty participating in the program or is there also a component assessing the students (like pre- and post-tests)?

QUBES’ assessment is focused on the participating faculty. At the beginning and end of the mentoring network, we will ask all participants to answer a short survey on your experiences, with the goal of improving future networks. We encourage you to work with other faculty in the network to develop appropriate assessments for your students.

5. Are you expecting participants to produce new math attitudes and anxiety teaching materials as part of the deliverables?

We do not ask participants to produce their own teaching materials, but rather to share any materials you developed that coordinate with the existing materials and themes.   Although it is not a requirement of the network, if you have ideas for developing completely new materials, you are encouraged to do so and to share those materials as well.  All revised and new materials will be shared on the QUBES website as the products of the networks.

More coming soon! Please check back, or contact arietta.flemingdavies "at" gmail.com with additional questions.