Spring 2008 I2A Faculty Pilot Program

The Paul-Elder critical thinking model was chosen to structure the implementation and outcomes of the I2A initiative that will impact all undergraduate programs at U of L. The faculty pilot program was developed in order to provide a mechanism for faculty to “test drive” the Paul-Elder model. This pilot program helped instructors articulate their instructional goals and methodologies using the components of the Paul-Elder model and provide feedback to the I2A Task Group and I2A Team regarding classroom experiences with the model.

Instructors who participated in the Pilot Program were engaged in:

1. Using the specific components of the Paul-Elder model to adapt an existing assignment or to create or revise a new assignment in which one outcome is to foster a specific critical thinking skill(s);
2. Indicating their teaching plans to introduce and foster students’ practice and/or mastery of the skill(s);
3. Utilizing an existing critical thinking grading rubric and/worksheet to measure students’ abilities (or create their own rubric); and
4. Engaging periodically with peers who are using the model and provide ongoing feedback and a final summary to the I2A Team regarding experience with the Paul-Elder critical thinking model.

Drs. Patty Payette, Edna Ross, and Cathy Bays provided one-on-one and small-group support for instructors participating in the Pilot Program and participants will meet at a monthly luncheon session to discuss their experiences with the model. Upon completion of their feedback to the I2A Team after the Spring 2008 semester, instructors will receive a letter acknowledging their contribution to the I2A initiative, with copies sent to their chair(s) and dean(s). 

Faculty who participated in the Spring 2008 Faculty Pilot Program were: