About the SGSC
In collaboration with the BOLLI Curriculum Committee, the Study Group Support Committee (SGSC) works to enhance the educational experience in the BOLLI classroom. In service of this mission, the SGSC supports Study Group Leaders (SGLs) in multiple ways as they transition from the proposal process with the Curriculum Committee to the preparation and presentation of their courses. The ultimate goal is to enhance the teaching and learning experience for both SGLs and class participants.
The SGSC provides:
A single point of contact and source of periodic individual assistance for SGLs through SGSC liaisons.
Information and training sessions for SGLs at regularly held group sessions.
Opportunities for feedback from class participants and liaison observations.
Electronic and written materials as posted on this website, as well as regular communications with the SGL group.
INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE:
The SGSC Liaison--A member of the SGSC is assigned to each SGL to serve as a liaison. The SGSC liaison becomes the SGL's main point of contact after the Curriculum Committee has approved the course proposal. The liaison is available for whatever help the SGL might need when it comes to course preparation or presentation. He or she is a "listening ear" or "sounding board" who will, to the best of her/his ability, answer questions, address concerns, make suggestions, provide resources or referrals to resources when needed and possible, and/or discuss problems that might arise over the course of the term. The liaison will stay in frequent contact and will visit the course early in the semester and sometimes also in later sessions.
Meeting Co-Hosts -- Most SGLs have found it easier, in the Zoom format, to appoint a co-host who can handle logistics, such as muting and unmuting, keeping track of raised hands and chats, and assisting with other technology needs. SGLs should identify a class member to serve as a co-host. If they have difficulty finding a co-host, SGLs may contact their SGSC liaison for assistance.
Technology Assistance -- BOLLI staff and SGSC liaisons will help assure that SGLs are comfortable with Zoom and have set up their class meetings. From time to time, BOLLI staff may offer training in using Zoom and classroom presentation technologies. Special workshops may also be offered on topics such as creating Google sites and using special Zoom functions such as polling and breakout rooms. Information on technologies are also provided on the SGL Resources website.
INFORMATION AND TRAINING SESSIONS:
Orientation for New SGLs--A few weeks before classes begin, the SGSC invites new SGLs to a session in which useful information is shared, questions are addressed, and discussion occurs.
Pre-Term Gathering--Before each term begins, the committee invites all SGLs to engage in a workshop on a topic related to course planning, presentation, and/or participation.
End-of-Semester Celebration--At the end of each term, SGLs are invited to a celebratory gathering that features a short program of interest.
SGL Workshops--Periodic special topic workshops are offered on an as needed basis. Creating a Google Site, for example, has been offered several times over the past few terms.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FEEDBACK
Interim Feedback--At a designated point during the first half of the term, participants will be asked to complete a brief online form (Five-week courses will fill them out at the end of the second session.) Responses will be given directly to the SGL. These forms provide useful information about how class members see things going. In particular, they can alert an SGL to issues that can be addressed or practices that can be adjusted to meet the needs of the group (do they need you, for example, to speak louder or more clearly? Do they feel that there is too much or too little reading or that they are having difficulty accessing it?) The SGSC liaison visits the study group, as arranged with the SGL, periodically during the term and will make arrangements to discuss their observations with you. The liaison is available to help should something unexpected arise. SGLs find that is good practice to discuss feedback with their SGSC liaison.
Final Feedback -- When a course comes to an end, the office sends its participants a link to an online feedback form. Here, class members are asked to think about the course as a whole--its structure, presentation, etc.--and indicate both areas of strength and areas which might benefit from some improvement. They are meant to be constructive and positive in tone.
