Teaching Effectiveness

Nomination: Teaching Recognition Award, 2019-20

Peer Assessment of Teaching

Over the course of my tenure, I have received fifteen “Excellent” evaluations, and one “Very Good” evaluation from my colleagues. They have observed:

History of the Theatre, THE 2280ID

  • “The material was always accessible. Students were frequently asked questions, such as ‘What is this? Why is it important to theatre historians?’ Or, ‘Does anybody know of a Shakespeare play that might need a balcony?’ Terms or concepts that students could not identify were quickly reviewed. The lesson was enhanced by the visual images projected.
  • “The lecture was creative and interesting because he combined images, video, and music to illustrate his points.”
  • “Prof. Swift challenged his students to think critically about the semiotics of Romanticism and theatre. His students provided thoughtful and comprehensive insights.”

Public Speaking, COM 1330

  • “Instructor critique was gentle and astute. Gave students well-deserved praise and pointed out the specific sways in which they have improved since beginning of the term…. Prof. Swift suggested tools for improving.”
  • “Creates a low-risk environment that encourages participation.”
  • “Student responses indicate a high degree of comfort with the professional terminology.”

Storytelling: Script Analysis, THE 2380

  • “Prof. Swift naturally leads detailed discussion of points, eliciting student contributions and holding their attention.”
  • “This was an extremely effective lesson with students actively engaged in writing, group discussion, role reading, and small group projects.”
  • “Prof. Swift explained the concepts clearly and thoroughly. He then asked the students to add specific details to concepts. Instructor used excellent handouts.”
  • “Genuine excitement regarding learning about theater generated in the classroom.”

Voice and Diction, COM 1320

  • “Dr. Swift’s teaching strategy fosters and reinforces student ownership of both the skills and intellectual content of the course.”
  • “During individual coaching session of the class, Dr. Swift frequently drew on elements presented previously… the professor reiterated that students could – and should – apply these elements to their own work at home.”

Student Assessment of Teaching

From the date of hire (2012) until present, my SET scores for non-ID courses are consistently above departmental and course averages, both by category and cumulative. My SET scores for the ID courses taught since Spring 2016 have no model for comparison (ID course SET averages have not been made available). All my scores for ID classes remain above “4”, cumulative and by category, and have improved each semester.

Fall 2012

  • THE 2380: 4.63 (dept. average 4.48)
  • SPE 1320 (2 sections): 4.66 and 4.56 (course average 4.56)
  • THE 1280: 4.55 (dept. average 4. 48)

Spring 2013

  • THE 2380: 4.59 (dept. average 4.45)
  • THE 1280: 4.53 (dept. average 4. 45)

Fall 2013

  • THE 2380: 4.65 (dept. average 4.44)
  • SPE 1320: 4.61 (course average 4.56)
  • THE 1280: 4.63 (dept. average 4. 44)

Spring 2014

  • THE 2380: 4.64 (dept. average 4.44)
  • ENT 3320: 4.52 (dept. average 4.45)
  • THE 1280: 4.63 (dept. average 4. 44)

Fall 2014

  • COM 1330: 4.69 (dept. average 4.45)
  • THE 1280: 4.63 (dept. average 4. 45)

Spring 2015

  • THE 2380: 4.70 (dept. average 4.52)
  • PERF 1120: 4.80 (dept. average 4.52)

Fall 2015

  • THE 2380: 4.66 (dept. average 4.45)

Spring 2016

  • THE 2280.D473ID: 4.01 (Interdisciplinary course average: unknown)

Fall 2016

  • THE 2280.D476ID: 4.27 (Interdisciplinary course average: unknown)
  • THE 2280.D477ID: 4.17 (Interdisciplinary course average: unknown)
  • LIB/ARCH 2205ID: 4.23 (Interdisciplinary course average: unknown)

Spring 2017

  • THE 2280.D475ID: 4.44 (Interdisciplinary course average: unknown)
  • THE 2280.D476ID: 4.65 (Interdisciplinary course average: unknown)

Fall 2017

  • THE 2280.D476ID: 4.88 (Interdisciplinary course average: unknown)
  • THE 2280.D477ID: 4.68 (Interdisciplinary course average: unknown)

Spring 2018

  • THE 2280.D475ID: 4.35 (Interdisciplinary course average: unknown)
  • THE 2280.D476ID: 4.82 (Interdisciplinary course average: unknown)

Fall 2018

  • THE 2280.D476ID: 4.56 (Interdisciplinary course average: unknown)
  • THE 2280.D477ID: 4.58 (Interdisciplinary course average: unknown)
  • LIB/ARCH 2205ID: 4.12 (Interdisciplinary course average: unknown)
  • THE 2380.D480: 4.42 (dept. average 4.55)

Spring 2019

  • THE 2280.D475ID: 4.55 (Interdisciplinary course average: unknown)
  • THE 2280.D476ID: 4.67 (Interdisciplinary course average: unknown)
  • THE 2380.D480: 4.86 (dept. average 4.58)

Fall 2019

  • THE 2280ID.D476: 4.74 (Interdisciplinary course average: unknown)
  • THE 2280ID.D478: 4.79 (Interdisciplinary course average: unknown)
  • LIB/ARCH 2205ID: 4.47 (Interdisciplinary course average: unknown)

Spring 2020

  • NO SETS (COVID PANDEMIC)

Fall 2020

  • THE 2280ID.OL76: 4.35 (Interdisciplinary course average: unknown)
  • THE 2280ID.OL80: 4.40 (Interdisciplinary course average: unknown)
  • COM 1330.OL09: 4.67 (course average 4.57)

Spring 2021

  • THE 2280ID.OL75: 4.24_ (Interdisciplinary course average: unknown)
  • THE 2280ID.OL76: 4.35 (Interdisciplinary course average: unknown)
  • COM 1330.OL74: 4.34 (course average 4.57)

FALL 2021 – SPRING 2022: FELLOWSHIP LEAVE

FALL 2022

    • THE 2280ID.D477: 4.26 (ID course average: unknown) (response rate: 46%)
    • THE 2280ID.D476: 3.84 (ID course average: unknown) (response rate: 38%)

SPRING 2023

    • THE 2280ID.HD01: 4.02 (ID course average: unknown) (response rate: 24%)
    • THE 2280ID.HD02: 4.26 (ID course average: unknown) (response rate: 44%)

Feedback from student assessment of Learning Places (LIB/ARCH 2205 ID) (co-taught with Nora Almeida)

“The course helped me define how performance and social justice can come together and make a big impact. I would never have been able to make a performance about something I care about if it wasn’t for this class.”

“This course made me more aware of things going on in the community such as zoning and displacement. I am also now more aware of the input I, as a resident, may have.”

“I have gained more confidence to question and debate local issues.”

“I no longer live in a bubble. Now I try to understand what’s going on in my neighborhood—more about environmental and social issues. I never really cared before but now I do.”

Feedback from student assessment of History of the Theatre (THE 2280 ID)

“Prof. Swift is a very effective professor his lectures are very clear and easy to follow and always answers students questions and provides feedback on our work. His OpenLab page was very well organized and had everything we needed to complete our work.”

“This class was fun and you made learning fun by providing us with great power point presentations”

“Was on time every day.”

“Great professor. Very understanding and always learn something new in class.”

“Excellent professor.”

“I am currently an intern for a company at the moment and surprisingly they need me to make points on a map and I automatically thought of ArcGis. I never thought I’d be using it so soon. Thank you!”

“Too much work and such little time but he is pretty fair and very knowledgable. Seems to know a lot about the subject.”

“Class was very interesting Professor Swift is great at addressing and teaching this subject, he expects every student to be well detailed and punctual. His lessons are interesting and accurate.”

Feedback from student assessment of Public Speaking (COM 1330)

“The professor was great, I really enjoyed this class.”

“Professor Swift makes our class very comfortable to be in. He takes time to answer our questions, if not in class, then email. Even though he was sick a few times, he still managed to keep the classes going.”

“This class was great, I feel as if I improved in my public speaking.”

“Really enjoyed this class although I was nervous when we first started. But, Professor Swift has great tips for public speaking and has helped me a tremendous amount. Also even though class has been online, he makes it super fun.”

“A professor that cares about their students. One of the few classes I can say I did learn something useful.”

Emails from Public Speaking students

“Good afternoon professor Swift! I apologize I couldn’t say thank you. I am very thankful to you for your motivation, comments , and your knowledge which you gave  us …. From COM1330 class I learned many things one of them I started to talk with my neighbors. Always  they seemed to want to talk with me, and ask something but I always avoided conversation with them. Last week I talked with Catherine. She is my neighbor. She was principal in school now she is retired. Our conversation may last 30 minutes on the porch. She said ‘Oh Fariza you are so talkative, I did not know you speak english very well’ she said. I think thanks to you, you were a huge influence on me. Your inspiration and motivation changed many things and one of them I became not to be shy. For that I am so incredibly thankful. Stay safe and be healthy!”

“Thank you again Professor Swift. I am very happy and grateful to be given the opportunity to participate in this competition. Two months ago, I couldn’t imagine myself speaking before an audience for a competition. Thanks to your teachings, I had the confidence to take on this challenge. It was a great experience, and it will give me  more courage to take more challenges in the future. Sincerely. Fadoul Kere.”