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SME Relationship-Building: Tips of the Week

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A couple of things came to mind during some recent SME conversations that I want to share. You may be already doing these things, but I think it helps to put them down here for all of us to think about and discuss...
  1. Given our mandate from Nancy Davis to consult to our SMEs on pedagogical issues related to learning outcomes, FOs, etc., it's likely that we'll run into SMEs who are not used to spelling out their instructional rationales and strategies as specifically as we're asking them to, even if they are at some level "good teachers." I try to motivate them by noting that the coursemap is now viewed as much of a ‘document of record’ as the Prospectus and Syllabus are – so it needs to show the rigor and clarity of outcomes of a 'premier' e-learning experience. And if a SME's LO/FO/assignment connections aren't as Bloom-worthy as they need to be, let's communicate to him or her that "my job is to help your expertise shine through"... in other words, align with his or her content knowledge and desire to create a sound, effective, engaging course for students. (I suppose you can also look at it as appealing to their professional ego: we want the coursemap to represent their "best" academic/instructional self.) I know that if I don't keep these frames in mind for myself, I may get frustrated at the process -- or even give up trying to improve the draft -- before a SME's coursemap is as instructionally sound as it can be.
  2. First-time SMEs might be taken aback by how "early" we need detailed course content, as they may be used to putting an on-ground course together in the last few weeks before it starts, or even week-to-week during the term (!). One of my current SMEs is in that boat, and I think it helps that I started by normalizing her reaction: "Yep, it IS early, isn't it!" Of course it's critical to give concrete reasons for this timeline -- e.g., the iterative draft process, the required Chair review, and everything extra that comes with building a Web-based course vs. an on-ground one. But if it's a big change for a new SME, then it's a big change -- and I want her to feel I understand that. ***Disclaimer: 'Experienced SMEs who still fail to meet deadlines' not included. Your results may vary. Void where prohibited.***
Okay... we'd love to hear about any strategies that have worked for you re: these two topics. My goal is to post at least one tip like this per week.

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