Mapping efficient teaching practices against personal teaching methods

The academic environment where we serve is highly competitive with many different tasks that continuously challenge us. We end up juggling teaching, research and administrative work. In particular, new lecturers are often left on their own to develop their teaching skills, and have to selfeducate and self-train in their teaching attributes. While enthusiasm and vocation in teaching are necessary attributes for the new academic, unfortunately are not sufficient to deliver high quality classes. In this study, a method to help an early academic improve their teaching skills is proposed. The method is based on student interviews to determine the teaching practices most valuable to create a positive learning and teaching environment. The results of the interview are then employed to formulate a map of teaching practices to be used as reference for future professional development.