Faculty behavior: appraisal and rewards

Faculty A & R systems arrange contingencies of reinforcement (relationships between faculty performance and institutional rewards) which powerfully influence faculty behavior. By and large, the current contingencies influencing teaching performance are defectiive. A frequent result is mediocre instruction and ready diversion of faculty effort to activities controlled by better contingencies. The major obstacles to productive appraisal and reward of teaching are the criterion problem and the inability or reluctance to arrange potent A & R contigencies to influence faculty behavior. Recent developments in behavioral science and instructional technology promise significant help in overcoming both obstacles. An example has been provided. Virtues and difficulties in the proposed procedure have been discussed.