2008 Teaching and Learning Colloquium: Innovations and Basics for Learning
January 8–9, 2008
AVAYA Auditorium, ACES Building
Program
Last updated December 13, 2007
| 12:30 | Welcome
|
|---|---|
| 12:45 | Why Teaching Matters
|
| 1:00 |
Faculty Panel: Virtual World Teaching in Second Life – Is Anyone Learning?
 Paul Resta. Play audio
Second Life is a 3D online digital world imagined and created by its residents. Many colleges are presently “exploring” how Second Life can be used in their courses to better motivate and involve 21st Century learners. In this session, instructors will share how they use Second Life in their teaching and the potential impact on student learning. |
| 2:00 | Break |
| 2:15 | What Makes a Good Writing Assignment?
 George Schorn. Play audio
Surprisingly, teachers have been known to assign writing tasks without articulating to themselves what the task is supposed to do for students. Good writing assignments always start with a clear goal that the teacher can express. This session will present ways for instructors to get students to write across the curriculum as well as share tips on increasing the authenticity of student writing. |
| 3:15 | Faculty Panel: Getting Students to Think
 Mark Bernstein. Play audio
To think critically, students must learn general problem solving skills and develop a usable knowledge base. For example, with the prevalence and ease of access to information, critical thinking is necessary in order for one to evaluate the credibility of the source. How can instructors change their teaching to focus on improving student thinking? Panelists will share successful techniques that they use to help students think critically. |
| 4:00 | Reception |
| 8:30 | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| 9:00 | Welcome
|
| 9:15 | Faculty Panel: Difficult Dialogues – Getting Them to Talk
 Mechele Dickerson. Play audio
When faced with teaching controversial topics, many college instructors report an increase in combative attitudes, intellectual dogmatism, physical intimidation, and stunned silence on their campuses. Such instructors have an obligation to create a learning environment based on safety, inclusion and the free exchange of ideas. Panelists will share how they create that environment, thereby getting students to be active participants in class discourse and discussions. |
| 10:15 | Break |
| 10:30 | Peer Review: The Give and Take of Collegial Feedback
 Nancy Kwallek. Play audio
Having classes observed and materials assessed by colleagues for the purpose of instructional improvement should no more be considered a threat to academic freedom than to have colleagues critique a proposed manuscript for publication. In this session, presenters will share formal and informal ways to foster collegial feedback.
|
11:30 |
Student Panel: Student-Teacher Relationships – Improving Student Performance
 Alexandra Papp. Play audio
 Stephon Davis. Play audio
Obvious benefits of a positive student-teacher relationship can be seen in college classes. Student effort, motivation and time-on-task are all correlated to their learning outcomes. “Caring” and enthusiasm for students and teaching are also related to the level of student course satisfaction. Communication is the key. Panelists will share four unique perspectives of their experiences with positive student-teacher relationships and how it impacted their learning. |
Teaching and Learning Colloquium home
Register for the Teaching and Learning Colloquium