Join us for a series of stimulating and practical discussions of timely teaching topics. Nosh on an array of refreshments and beverages while exploring common mid-term teaching issues. Then, close the semester by turning to planning for a new or redesigned course. You are invited to attend any or all of the sessions, Tuesday from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Registration is limited.

Making It Even Better: Designing Courses to Support Student Learning and Teacher Satisfaction

This Course Design workshop can help you plan ahead for the next semester - whether you're a new teacher adjusting to the University's Student Learning Outcomes, an experienced teacher already practicing active learning strategies but needing to update your course for Liberal Education requirements, or a teacher who's ready to re-tool a course based on student and peer feedback. Drawing on Dee Fink's approach to significant learning and course design, participants in this workshop will learn how align course goals, assignments and daily classroom activities to provoke and support student learning.

Facilitator: Paul Ching

Using A Course Management System Like Moodle or WebVista to Encourage Student Collaboration

How do you keep an online discussion from fizzling? How can you encourage constructive online peer feedback? In this interactive session we will discuss ways in which online assignments can enhance student collaboration in your classes. We will provide strategies for promoting out-of-classroom student interaction by addressing both the design and facilitation of these assignments. You will leave this seminar with ideas that you can incorporate into your own teaching this semester.

Facilitators: Christina Petersen, John Raabe

Now, Why Would A Student Say That?

Strategies for Unraveling Unanticipated Classroom Conflicts

Sometimes a discussion just “erupts” – productively or unpleasantly, provocatively or uncomfortably. And even in meticulously planned discussions of thorny issues we encounter uncomfortable student-to-student comments and unexpected student-to-teacher flashpoints. Many subtle – and addressable – factors shape such moments. In this session, we’ll look at conflict-resolving approaches that work across disciplines to quickly assess a situation, select an effective response and turn such moments into teachable moments.

Facilitator: Ilene Alexander

High Impact, Low Prep Active Learning

Avoid the mid-semester doldrums by infusing your class with active learning techniques that will keep students motivated and engaged in learning. In this interactive session, presenters will model several teaching methods and discuss their fit with learning outcomes.

Facilitators: Bill Rozaitis, Jane O’Brien