I find it very interesting that in this past year since I was at RPI (all 2009-till August 2010), I have learned so much about teaching and learning, assessment and accreditation. Oddly it feels like I have spent a sabbatical year concentrating on learning and assessment issues.
Is interesting that by not teaching for three semesters, Spring and Fall of 2009 and Spring 2010, I had the opportunity to learn about teaching! I had more time to read about teaching, to think about teaching, and talk with other faculty about teaching and assessment issues.
I see now the accreditation issue from two points of view: faculty and administration.
I found that by taking this "time off from teaching" I became a better teacher! I had more time to think and reflect about education issues. I feel rejuvenated, enriched, and I know "what I want to be when I grow up" --- yes, I am a teacher!
In Spring 2009 it was weird to not have to prepare my syllabus and notes for the semester. I felt as if I go "cold turkey," it was for me a complete withdrawal from the teaching bug. I thought it will pass, but it just repeated and intensified in Fall 2009, and then Spring 2010. I do not think it will go away. I missed the students, I missed sharing my knowledge and learning in the process of a semester course. This year I learned who I am and who I want to be.
I know so much more about student learning, motivation, teaching, assessment, accreditation, and educational research. This year at RPI was a great one because I learned a LOT!!
I am looking forward to the future!
New beginnings are always exciting, and I start full of hope at Marist College. :-)