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Accurately examining the workload of university teaching staff in the US
Data for the effective supervision of teaching staff at leading American universities
The ADVANCE programme in the US
The ADVANCE programme is designed to examine the workload of university teaching staff in various faculties. This programme runs over a period of 5 years: from 2015 to 2020. The aim: to obtain a picture of the problems and obstacles experienced by a university teacher in carrying out his or her job.
Accurate screening as a condition for decision-making
Teachers divide their time between giving classes, providing services and carrying out research. But exactly how they do that is a contentious issue.
Until recently the discussion was about their workload, based on data collected using questionnaires. However, there was also a need for more accurate and more nuanced way of looking at teachers’ use of time.
A survey using the MOTUS software platform provided the solution. Because MOTUS looks beyond simply how long each activity lasts: it includes the timing, tempo and sequence of the tasks to be carried out.
MOTUS looks beyond simply how long each activity lasts: it includes timing, tempo and sequence of the tasks to be carried out.
Universe and method
Teaching staff at the ‘Big 10’ universities in the US was the universe aimed at by the survey. Some 9,000 teachers at a total 14 faculties were involved, ranging from social sciences to physics and mathematics. They were invited to register their tasks retrospectively for 24 hours (4 am – 4 am). The list of work activities was produced in conjunction with the University of Maryland and Professor Dr Liana Sayer.
The survey set-up divided the 9,000 teachers into 6 groups. Each group was allocated to either a Tuesday or a Wednesday.
The fieldwork was spread over 3 weeks in February/March 2016. The MOTUS software platform automatically invited every teacher to register their use of time at the right moment. If necessary, the teachers received up to a maximum of 2 reminders, each exactly one week after the previous invitation/reminder. This was also done automatically.
Collect & repeat
At the present time, individual teachers are receiving guidance based on the data collected. And thanks to the data, the coordinators of the respective faculties and universities can make strategic choices within their institutions and disciplines.
High schools in the US will also be working with this set-up in 2017.
Case conclusion
Teachers divide their time between giving classes, providing services and carrying out research. But exactly how they do that is a contentious issue. Which is why the ADVANCE programme in the US was designed to highlight the distribution of tasks in the various faculties, both accurately and in a nuanced way. The MOTUS platform also looked at the length of time taken for each activity, as well as the timing, tempo and sequence of the tasks to be done.
Using the data gathered, the universities are able to monitor and guide teaching staff on an individual and group level.
