“I always walked away from the small group meetings with some new ideas I could implement in the classroom mmediately...”
“As a result of the program, I improved class planning, include active and cooperative learning, and have more fun teaching.“
Description
This community is designed to assist faculty members early in their careers to develop and enhance their teaching skills and establish a foundation for a lifetime of creative and engaging teaching. Participants attend monthly workshops facilitated by master teachers at the U who will model and teach about a variety of effective pedagogical styles and methods. Participants also work one-to-one and in interdisciplinary small groups with one of six resource teachers (RTs), chosen because of their recognition as superior classroom teachers and their commitment to mentoring others. Faculty devote 3 to 5 hours per month to program activities.
Participants
This program is designed for full-time faculty who are in their first five years at the University of Minnesota and who are responsible for the design and teaching of at least one course while enrolled in the program.
Activities
- Meet in monthly large group workshops with all program participants to explore important aspects of teaching theory and practice.
- With your RT, identify specific pedagogical goals and strategies you want to address to enhance your own teaching.
- Meet monthly with your RT and a small group of other participants for in-depth discussion of topics related to teaching that you and your colleagues select.
- Acquire a collection of resource materials on teaching that will be useful throughout your career.
- Have classroom teaching observed once by your RT and once by another program participant to provide constructive, non-judgmental feedback.
- Receive a $400 stipend upon completion of the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be working with colleagues from my academic discipline?
To provide a comfortable environment for talking about teaching, each small group is interdisciplinary, so that neither the Resource Teacher nor your small group peers will be from your academic field. The monthly program workshops involve all participants, which could include colleagues from your field.
How can I fit one more thing into my schedule?
This program is designed to place a limited burden on your time while providing substantial benefits for your teaching. Participants learn how to be more effective and efficient as teachers. Many faculty participants have found that the program makes teaching more fun and less stressful. In addition, department heads or deans are asked to release participants from some service obligations during the academic year of participation.
When do the workshops and small group meetings take place?
Participants for the 2008-2009 academic year will meet as a large group from 3:30-5:00 in McNamara Alumni Center, on the following Wednesdays: Sept. 17th, Oct. 15th, Nov. 12th, Dec. 17th, Jan. 21st, Feb. 18th, Mar. 25th, and Apr. 22nd.
Small groups will also meet for 90 minutes monthly (usually a Wed. from 3:30-5:00) at a time and day determined by the small group.
What is the history of this program?
This program, funded in its first six years by the Archibald Bush Foundation, is now an integral part of the University of Minnesota and reflects its commitment to recognizing and fostering successful classroom teaching. More than four hundred faculty members from all parts of the university have participated in the Early Career Series since its inception in 1991, creating a community of scholar/teachers committed to establishing an inclusive and effective learning environment in our classrooms.
Registration
Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning in March, 2008. There will be thirty-six participants for 2008-09.
Register for the Academic Year Faculty Learning Community
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