Prior to the creation of PIGs, "IU Northwest did not have particularly good measures of student success," says Mark Hoyert, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, with low retention and graduation rates-particularly for students of color. The implementation of PIGs has led to significant improvements, with increasing GPAs and first-to-second-year retention rates over the past eight years.
The PIGs meet around nine to 10 times a semester, operating similarly to a graduate seminar, Hoyert explains. One member presents data from one or several articles about a pedagogical practice, and then the group analyzes and critiques the research, fostering an environment of collaborative learning and evidence-based teaching.
Hoyert tries to attend every PIG meeting, as well, demonstrating the university's commitment to investing in faculty and student success. His involvement encourages participation and shows that the administration values the integration of research into teaching practices.
Collection
[
|
...
]