These are very informal sessions where faculty can show off their expertise and great ideas for teaching and discuss with peers. We can talk about technology used in teaching, the kinds of assignments we create for different kinds of learning, activities that are successful in the classroom, and ways to keep students encouraged and engaged, for example. Here are the first three general topics. I’m hoping that you will suggest some future topics.
Sample topics:
Show us your basic Canvas organization.
Show us your favorite quiz.
Show us your favorite assignment.
Common Hour Sessions
via Zoom, M W F 12:25 – 12:55 // T H 12:10 – 12:40
These 20-30 minute sessions will focus on a specific use of a tool, or a specific aspect of teaching. They are held during common hour and will rotate through the days of the week to assure that everyone has a chance to attend. Sessions are usually recorded and the recordings are available on the New Kensington Faculty Resource Course. Some Sample topics:
Sept 30 (Thurs): Using MS Teams for Texting
Oct 5 (Tues): Creating a Mid-Term Course Eval
Tuesday Book Study
Often big results in learning come from small changes and tweaks to teaching. Small Teaching: Every Day Lessons from the Science of Learning, written by James Lang, offers clear and easy to implement ideas for improving teaching with small changes. The book is available for download online: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/pensu/detail.action?docID=4455000.
Friday Book Study (Across two campuses)
Get a fresh perspective on Academic Integrity! "Cheating Lessons: Learning from Academic Dishonesty" by James M. Lang uses research and experience to discuss student views on cheating as well as practical options to tackle academic dishonesty at its roots. The book is available for download online: https://catalog.libraries.psu.edu/catalog/11572859.
Teaching Circles
Teaching circles offer an opportunity to take a deeper dive into the art and science of teaching and learning. The group will discuss issues and ideas of interest, experiences in the classroom, share research on the topics of interest, and delve into possible changes to practice. The Thursday series of sessions is designed to with hard sciences in mind. The Monday series of sessions is designed to address teaching and learning in a wide array of content areas, with attention to overarching needs as well as some content related specific needs.
Monday Teaching Circle
Teaching circles offer an opportunity to take a deeper dive into the art and science of teaching and learning. The group will discuss issues and ideas of interest, experiences in the classroom, share research on the topics of interest, and delve into possible changes to practice. This series of sessions is designed to address teaching and learning in a wide array of content areas, with attention to overarching needs as well as some content related specific needs.