Instructor Conduct
All SPIE Course Instructors are expected to maintain a high standard of professionalism and to not discriminate or make discriminatory remarks based on gender, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, socioeconomic status, and/or sexual orientation. It is SPIE's policy that all course attendees can expect an atmosphere that is free from harassment of any kind.
Commercialism
SPIE expects instructors to present material that contains useful technical and scientific information, which is noncommercial in nature. SPIE policy states: "No SPIE short course or workshop shall contain materials or verbal references that will have the effect of unfairly influencing the decision of an attendee to purchase a specific product."
Disclosure
Please note that SPIE requires that all Course Instructors must disclose proprietary interest in any product, instrument, device, service or material discussed during the learning event. If you have such a proprietary interest please request a Disclosure Form from education@spie.org.
Background Knowledge
Please conform your course presentation to the knowledge level and background requirements stated in your course description. Do not overestimate the audience's background knowledge, especially if you are teaching a basic course. If you will be using equations, limit the number and be sure to discuss their implications.
Presentation Slides / View Graphs
Prepare readable presentation materials - laser printer quality is required. These will form the core of your course notes, so keep in mind that they are what the attendee will take home for reference.
*Special note: It is the responsibility of the instructor to have either an electronic version (PowerPoint or Adobe PDF) or overhead transparencies of the course notes produced for presentation during the course. SPIE is only responsible for the reproduction of course notes for the attendee; instructors are responsible for all presentation materials, including transparencies if you are using them.
Follow Your Plan
The course description published in the Advance Program is what the attendees will be expecting from your class. Note that your stated Learning Outcomes are placed at the beginning of your course materials. Please be sure to discuss these at the start of your presentation and reference them often to ensure you meet the learning outcomes attendees are expecting.
Gauge Your Time
Accurately gauge the amount of time needed to present your material and plan accordingly. Especially for first-time instructors, the most frequent student criticism is "too much material for the time allowed." Be sure to leave time for questions and class discussion. You are strongly encouraged to practice presenting your course at least once before the event.
Breaks
Half-hour coffee and networking breaks are scheduled at mid-session of all 3 to 4 hour class periods. For planning purposes, coffee breaks typically run from 10:00 to 10:30am for morning courses; afternoon breaks typically occur from 3:00 to 3:30pm. Any course scheduled for 6 or more hours will include a 1.5 hour lunch break in addition to the morning and afternoon breaks.
At the End of Your Course
Please be sure to take time towards the end of your course to go over the quiz questions and answers with your course participants. This feedback is important as it will help them to assess their attainment of the stated learning outcomes.
Please also leave 5-10 minutes at the end and encourage course participants to complete their course evaluation forms as this feedback is valuable to both you and SPIE.
Before the course:
After the course:
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