3 McMaster’s Teaching Evaluation Policy Framework
At McMaster University, the policy document Supplementary Policy Statement (SPS) B1: Procedures for the Assessment of Teaching sets forth detailed guidelines on the assessment of teaching, emphasizing the significant role of teaching portfolios. The document highlights several key areas relevant to the portfolio process:
- Clarifying what is entailed in the assessment of teaching: The teaching portfolio is essential for academic progression, including promotions, tenure, and merit-based salary increases.
- Requiring peer and student feedback: Incorporating assessments from peers and feedback from students offers a comprehensive evaluation, fostering ongoing improvement and alignment with educational objectives.
- Encouraging multifaceted departmental evaluation: The teaching portfolio facilitates annual reviews and departmental evaluations crucial for reappointment, tenure, promotion, and permanency decisions.
Importantly, SPS B2: Teaching Portfolios, outlines the specific structural requirements of teaching portfolios at the University. More details about SPS B2 can be found in Chapter IV: Fulfilling McMaster’s SPS B2 Requirements.