An Instructor Primer for Adjunct and New Faculty: Foundations for Career Success

An Instructor Primer for Adjunct and New Faculty is an invaluable resource for those individuals either looking to enter the profession of teaching or those who have already made the commitment to teaching. This Primer recognizes the realities the new instructor will face and shares secrets to effectively managing the classroom. All too often individuals, recognized experts in their field, aspiring share their experiences, have little understanding regarding what is expected of them and little preparation as to the art of teaching. Dr. Wong shows a sensitivity and empathy in “teaching” the teacher what they need to know about the art of teaching.

The Primer is unique to other ‘first time’ teacher guides because Dr. Wong offers practical assessments and question of reflections that allow an instructor to develop their philosophy, thoughts, and ideas regarding how to best deliver their message. I particularly loved the section that deals with teaching knowledge that the instructor may not be an expert in. As a department chair, I realize that my faculty are experts in a particular specialized field but need help when addressing topics related to the fields that fall a little outside of the faculty’s area of specialization. This section provides an exceptional ‘tool box’ that will help the faculty become more effective.

Also the section regarding technology is wonderfully handled in Dr. Wong’s Primer. Technology changes so quickly that most authors are afraid to broach the subject since they fear their comments will be obsolete before the book comes to print. Dr. Wong offers exceptional insight on current and cutting edge technologies that can benefit the instructor.

As a department chair, An Instructor Primer for Adjunct and New Faculty will become a required read for my adjunct and full time faculty members.

Dr. Ovid Wong has written a concise and usable guide for new higher education faculty, with significant advice for adjuncts. With increasing trends towards the hiring of adjuncts at many institutions, this volume can help with topics ranging from dos and don’ts on the first day of class, writing a syllabus, levels and organization of knowledge for teaching, to presentation style, the effective uses of questioning in the classroom, and the use of technology in college teaching. Dr. Wong has included excellent information on developing one’s teaching philosophy, engaging students (i.e., no sleeping!), and the unique nature of the adult learner. This book should fill a niche on the shelf of college teaching resources.

This is a watershed book for helping adjuncts and faculty to view teaching as a process rather than an event. Dr. Wong rethinks the traditional approach to teaching from the ground up and illustrates the importance of mastering the intricacies of providing a motivational and effective learning experience for students. The author has done a great service in helping university instructors view the teaching experience from a whole new context. This is a great book, full of wisdom and insights that will enable you to accomplish great things in the classroom.

This is the kind of book I wish I had been able to read when I started as a new faculty member many, many years ago. It is full of practical suggestions, not only for navigating through the administrative maze, but also, establishing good working collegian relationships necessary for individual and institutional success at any level of higher education.

Included are many techniques describing how to improve instruction beyond delivering a more spirited lecture, such as, planning for instruction, applying ones knowledge of learning processes, questioning during discussions, methods of meeting different learning styles, and student assessment. Also important to note is the section on assessment of one’s performance by students and other faculty members. Professor Wong’s many years of experience are reflected in a comprehensive picture of the challenges faced by any part time or full time faculty member.