A QUAINT Tool: Quantitative Uniform Analysis of Instructor Talent

Abstract

In todays educational landscape, subject areas that involve science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are receiving renewed attention in part due to the rapid proliferation of technology in our daily lives and in the marketplace. One of the most important factors affecting the quality of a STEM education is the quality of the instructor delivering the material. Despite the recognized importance of the instructor in the educational process, there exists no common, quantitative method to determine how effective or valuable the instructor actually is. We present the QUAINT methodology for determining the value of a college level instructor using an analytical and quantitative process. This methodology employs a systems analysis approach in understanding the primary functions and value measures that define an instructors worth. The model incorporates information from a set of stakeholder interviews, focus groups and surveys from all levels of the academic spectrum ranging from Dean of Academics to everyday students. Using value modeling, we are able to create a quantitative assessment based on the input of stakeholders for use in assessing individual instructors or comparing a group of instructors with diverse strengths.