Class Observation Reports
by Deans of Faculty
Source: Annual Reports (Excerpts)
“I attended a lecture by Herman Salton in ETHR 1015 International Ethics…Dr. Salton crafted an exemplary class composed of both a 20-minute student-led presentation on a country (Syria) followed by an instructor-led discussion of the day’s reading. The class atmosphere was highly conducive to learning; the students were clearly engaged and most were active participants throughout the duration of the class…From the presentation I saw in class it appeared that, through his detailed instructions, Dr. Salton had managed this very successfully. The student was well prepared for her presentation and had questions ready to prompt discussion. The student presentation on the Syrian uprising and civil war set up a perfect example for Dr. Salton’s discussion of the ethics of foreign intervention justified by humanitarian reasons. Dr. Salton led a very animated session in which the students actually had to be silenced occasionally in order to move the class forward through the material. The topic of this class is so pertinent to many of our students given the foreign intervention in their countries. It is not surprising that they are very interested and I was impressed at how skillfully Dr. Salton kept them focused on a theoretical discussion of the topic and did not allow the class to be sidetracked into a session of personal anecdotes and storytelling…Overall, I thought this was an extremely successful class and a really excellent effort from a young faculty member new to teaching in AUW’s unique environment.”
- Dean of Faculty, Class Observation Report, 2013, Asian University for Women, Bangladesh
“I attended a Diplomacy and Statecraft class by Dr. Salton on 16 Nov 2014 at 4.30pm. Dr. Salton has more than 5 years teaching experience, so a classroom visitation was not required, but he was generous enough to invite me into his class as an indication to less experienced faculty that the process is not to be feared and is one that can provide useful feedback to participants…Dr. Salton arrived before the class start time, greeting the students and setting up required equipment with the TA. He began the class promptly, first recognizing that students are extremely busy at present and reminding them about upcoming assessment…Dr. Salton used his visual aids very effectively during the class, provide background information or terms on PowerPoint slides without text-overcrowding, and asked students to populate a visual representation on the importance of formal exchanges between countries themselves to encourage engagement with the content… Although I have no knowledge of diplomacy or international treaties, Dr. Salton’s mode of delivering information, clear explanations and use of regional examples allowed me to easily follow the class […]”
- Associate Dean, Class Observation Report, 2015, Asian University for Women, Bangladesh