The Why's and the How's of Preceptors

Why should I use preceptors?

• Increase student engagement
• Help run in-class/out-of-class activities
• Gain feedback from the students in your classroom
• Push discussions in a non-threatening way
• Peer help on writing assignments and large projects which lead to better final assignments

What can preceptors do?

Here are just a few examples of the main activites preceptors can perform:

• Lead peer reviews
• Hold regular study group meetings
• Lead exam reveiw sessions
• Participate in Teaching Team meetings with the professor and TAs
• Create and deliver workshops, lead bonus/enrichment activites such as "Movie Nights", museum visits, etc.
• Lead discussions
• Facilitate in-class activites, such as labs and demonstrations
• Provide feedback to instructor

Further Attributes of Preceptors:

• Preceptors are unique in that they do not need to be content experts to facilitate learning in a course. Some of our most successful preceptors have been in NATS courses which are science classes taken by NON-science majors. These preceptors had little background in the course material but were motivated to learn and help their fellow students do the same. Additionally, unlike tutors, Preceptors are physically in your classroom and knowledgeable in the specifics of your course.
• Preceptors do help their fellow students improve the academic skills necessary to succeed in college courses. These skills may include critical thinking, problem-solving, academic writing and research, and note-taking strategies. Some preceptors are already quite adept in these skills and can improve upon these skills with this course. The UNVR training courses help preceptors improve thier own skills and learn how to teach these skills to their classmates.
• In order to be effective facilitators of learning, preceptors enroll in the appropriate UNVR training course. The training course has two components. First, the activities that preceptors are expected to do within your classroom in collaboration with you, the supervising instructor, and your Teaching Team. Second, the UNVR course itself, which is designed to train your Preceptors in the necessary skills and provide guidance, community and feedback in helping you get the most from your Preceptors.

Put Teaching Teams to work for you! Click here to assemble your team!