Office hours offer opportunities for personalized learning and mentorship. Yet, some instructors may resonate with the “lonely office hours” - time spent sitting alone in one’s office and scrolling through emails while waiting to see if anyone will show up. What motivates or perhaps demotivates students when it comes to engaging with instructors during office hours?
A study from Smith et al. reveals a significant gap between student perceptions of office hours (e.g. a “last-resort” measure) and the intended purpose of fostering meaningful student-faculty interactions. This perception may, in part, contribute to students participating in office hours less often or not at all. To bridge this gap, instructors can demystify office hours by clearly communicating their purpose and potential benefits to students, shifting the culture around office hours and who they are intended for. How can we encourage students to leverage office hours in their learning? Below, we share strategies to enhance student engagement with office hours:
- Redefining Office Hours: The terminology we use for office hours and the accessibility of office hours can significantly influence student engagement. By transitioning to terms like “visiting hours” or “student drop-in hours,” as suggested by Melanie Hulbert, vice provost for student success at the University of Alaska at Anchorage, we can make office hours appear more inviting and set clear expectations. Implementing flexible scheduling options or online meetings can also cater to diverse student needs.
- Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere: Maryellen Weimer in “Office Hours Alternative Resonates with Students” discusses the concept of “Course Centers” as a reimagined approach to office hours. “Course Centers” are relaxed, informal spaces where students can seek assistance or simply work alongside peers and instructors. This reimagining of office hours into more collaborative and less formal gatherings can significantly lower the barriers to seeking help and foster a sense of community. Echoing this creativity, Patrick Cafferty's "Artistic Office Hour" enhances the office hour experience by integrating creative activities like discipline-specific coloring and personal art projects. These artistic sessions offer another avenue for students to engage with faculty and promote a holistic educational experience.
- Encouraging Group Engagement: The concept of group office hours, where students are invited to engage in small groups, can alleviate the intimidation factor and promote a more collaborative learning environment. This strategy, successfully implemented across various disciplines as reported by the Eberly Center, not only facilitates peer-to-peer interaction, but also enhances individual student learning by creating a supportive setting where each student is more likely to share their concerns.
- Fostering Comfort and Flexibility: The choice of office hours' location and timing plays a crucial role in student engagement. Moving beyond the confines of the traditional office setting, as highlighted by the Center for Teaching at Vanderbilt University, to more casual environments can make office hours more appealing. Offering sessions at varying times, including outside of usual business hours, can make office hours more inclusive by accommodating the schedules of a broader student base.