Upcoming Events
Teaching Matters
Fall 2008 Teaching Matters Sessions
Often the best ideas come from simply sharing with other colleagues. Teaching Matters, scheduled throughout the year, are informal, interactive sessions where faculty and staff share methods they have implemented, discussing what went well, and, well, what didn't.
Spring 2009 Teaching Matters Sessions
- "Did you even read the chapter before class?"
Are your students ready to discuss in class? Really? Then share your secrets with the rest of us. This is a continuation of the excellent conversation we had last semester on encouraging discussion in class - but then the obvious question was how to get them to be ready for class to begin with. There is no formal presentation, just lots of great minds sharing great ideas for free.
Wed, Feb 18, noon, Frock Conference
- "Still using paper and notebooks for class projects? Get real - get virtual."
There is a great deal of attention these days on moving students' work from notebooks and paper to web-based content management tools. Call them eportfolios, call them blogs, call them personal content management systems, call them anything you want, the beauty is that individuals can create, compile, organize, search, archive, and take with them all their ideas and products from experiences in school. They publish their work for others to review, they work collaboratively to create works that are then published, the list goes on. Help students organize their academic artifacts and transition toward today's powerful, connected way of working.
Tues, Feb 24, 11am, Frock Conference
- "Thinking through the Writing Process"
Sharing the results of his CETL course design grant, Bob will discuss the efforts put forward in his CETL grant to integrate the content of Ethics into the writing process. He will share strategies and ideas relating to the frequency and depth of the writing experience through the use of prompt questions, guided and unguided writing activities, drafts, conferences and rubrics.
Monday, March 23, noon, Frock Conference
- "Syllabus writing 201 - the advanced stuff"
You know the basics for what goes into a syllabus. You probably even devote at least an hour to writing them each semester. You probably ought to know more, however, about what these documents are about and ways to make them much more than simply contact information and weekly topics. Join Lou Manza and Deanna Dodson as they show us what they've figured out over the years, and bring your own suggestions as well. Writing a syllabus is hardly poetry (though it could be, I guess), but it can set an engaging tone for the semester.
Wed, March 25, noon, Frock Conference
More sessions will be scheduled soon - stay tuned.
- "A discussion on classroom discussion"
One of the top issues I hear about from faculty is getting students to speak out and discuss in class. Lots of reasons for this, lots of things that probably don't work so well, but also lots of ideas that can help. This session is for everyone to come and share your ideas and experiences in facilitating class discussion - just throw your two-cents into the fray and see what we can come up with.
Thursday, December 4, 11am. Frock Conference Room.
- Mike Zeigler, Director of Client Services, ITS. "Getting the most out of Blackboard"
Many faculty have been using Blackboard, but perhaps there are features that you have not tried or don't know about. Mike will be helping us see what Blackboard can provide for your courses. Bring your questions and ideas (and laptops).
Wednesday, October 8, noon. Frock Conference Room.
- Barry R. Hill, CETL Director. "Using blog-based websites for class and other stuff"
Think starting your own website is too complicated? Like to find easier ways to post information and interact with your class? Think blogging is just for teenagers and angry political commentators? Three words are just for you: Publishing Made Easy. Blog-based websites are easy to set up, easy to maintain, and open up all kinds of possibilities that can enhance your courses (and career). I'll show you how to set up your own website, post videos, photos, and other media, link to other web resources such as YouTube and Flikr, and yes, how to bloviate to your heart's content. Bring your wireless laptops and you can get started immediately.
Thursday, September 25, 11am. Frock Conference Room.
Newly-hired faculty sessions
Although new full-time faculty members have a solid grasp of their discipline from a practitioner and/or research perspective, often they are not provided adequate support and direction as they begin teaching--arguably the most crucial component of their position here at the college. Instead of merely handing a new instructor their keys and the directions to the classroom, the Center will provide instructional support through initial sessions during their orientation along with follow-ups throughout the academic year.
