Program Overview

Introduction to the Students Assessing Teaching and Learning (SATAL) Program

The Students Assessing Teaching and Learning (SATAL) program is a pedagogical resource designed to support academic programs and course-level assessment for instructors, chairs, and deans. Sponsored by the Center for Engaged Teaching and Learning at UC Merced, SATAL offers trained undergraduates to gather information about the student learning experience on behalf of individual instructors or academic programs.

What is SATAL?

The SATAL program provides an opportunity for instructors to gain a better understanding of the learning experience in their classes. Trained undergraduates conduct assessments, such as exit interviews with graduating seniors or focus group interviews with students at key transition points in a curriculum. The results are then summarized in a professional report, providing instructors with accurate and actionable feedback.

Assessment Methods

SATAL students utilize various instruments and protocols, including:

• Small Group Instructional Diagnosis (SGID)
• Classroom Observation Protocol for Undergraduate STEM (COPUS)
• Focus groups
• Interviews
• Surveys These methods enable SATAL students to gather comprehensive insights into the student experience, focusing on aspects such as instructional time, student engagement, learning activities, and confidential feedback.

Professional Development

Students working for SATAL receive ongoing professional development on gathering, analyzing, and reporting findings related to classroom instructional data. This development equips them with the skills necessary to provide instructors with valuable feedback, contributing to the enhancement of teaching and learning practices.

Confidentiality and Support

Consultations with SATAL staff are voluntary and confidential. All communications and materials related to pedagogical support are treated as confidential and will not be shared without the faculty member's written permission. SATAL maintains a non-evaluative, formative, and supportive role, allowing educators to explore pedagogies and reflect on their teaching practices without concern for evaluation or judgment.

Testimonials

Faculty and student partners have expressed positive experiences with the SATAL program. Faculty partners have found the results from SATAL assessments to be useful and eye-opening, helping them develop a democratic classroom environment where students take responsibility for their own learning. Student partners have valued the opportunity to merge their academic background with their passion for making a difference, contributing to the improvement of pedagogical practices and enhancing the learning environment.

Program Details

The SATAL program is designed to:

• Support academic programs and course-level assessment
• Provide trained undergraduates to gather information about the student learning experience
• Offer professional development for SATAL students
• Maintain confidentiality and a non-evaluative, formative, and supportive role
• Foster a collaborative environment for instructors and students to enhance teaching and learning practices.