Author: Jean DeClerck

September

COFFEE CHAT: Testing Center Scheduling Process (Thursday, September, 15)

The Michigan Tech Testing Center has grown by leaps and bounds over the past three years, prompting changes in staffing, software, and process. The changes have tried to better serve instructors, offer more flexibility to students, and allow a broader array of sponsored exams. In this Coffee Chat on Thursday, September 15, from 3:30-4:30pm, we’ll discuss the new registration process implemented this fall and get feedback about how the Testing Center can continue to improve. Refreshments will be provided to those who register by Monday, September 12. Click here to register.

LUNCH AND LEARN: Academic Integrity Student Survey Results (Tuesday, September 20)

In spring 2016, the Academic Integrity Committee surveyed Michigan Tech students from all levels and majors. In the more than 1500 responses received, students rated a variety of behaviors in terms of seriousness, and indicated how often they were observed.   In this luncheon event on Tuesday, September 20 from noon to 1pm, we’ll review aggregated responses and comments.  We’ll then highlight some surprising lessons for instructors regarding current student expectations in a learning environment. Lunch will be provided to those who register by Friday, September 16. Click here to register.

LUNCH AND LEARN: How Students Learn –  Dr. Stephen DiCarlo (Professor in the School of Medicine, Wayne State University) (Thursday, September 29)

 A Pretty Model is, in Itself, More Engaging and Inspiring than Copious Content Extracted from our Minds:  Teachers often overrate the importance of their content and underrate their influence.  However, students forget much of the content that they memorize.  Thus, attempts to teach students all that they will need to know is futile.  Rather, it is important that students develop an interest and love for lifelong learning.  Inspiring and motivating students is critical because unless students are inspired and motivated our efforts are pointless.  Once students are inspired and motivated, there are countless resources available to learn more about a subject.  During this luncheon session, September 29, noon to 1:00pm, we will discuss the background and use of three strategies that are documented to inspire, engage and motivate our students. This event is co-sponsored by the Jackson CTL and the Department of Kinesiology & Integrative Physiology.   Click here to register.

PEDAGOGY WORKSHOP: How Students Learn – Dr. Stephen DiCarlo (Professor in the School of Medicine, Wayne State University) (Thursday, September 29)

Shock and Awe Pedagogy: “Building” Bonds and Brains: The success of shock and awe pedagogy may be attributable, in part, to a powerful emotional connection.  Basic emotions including shock, anger, fear and sadness are shared by all humans.  When we experience emotion in our lives we tend to remember the experience.  In fact, the more emotional impact an experience has, the more intensely we remember its details and the more likely it will be stored in long-term memory.  In this workshop, September 29, 2:00 to 3:15pm, participants will be assigned to small groups based on similar expertise and develop and share one memorable pedagogical experience based on a model, humor or shocking performance. This event is co-sponsored by the Jackson CTL and the Department of Kinesiology & Integrative Physiology.   Click here to register.

KINESIOLOGY AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY DEPARTMENT SEMINAR: How Students Learn – Dr. Stephen DiCarlo (Professor in the School of Medicine, Wayne State University) (Friday, September 30)

Too Much Content, Not Enough Thinking, and Too Little Fun: Henry Ford, stated “Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is why so few people engage in it.”  This is also true in the classroom where the content driven curriculum leaves little time for thinking.  In this setting, information is transferred from the notes of one person to the notes of another person without going through the minds of either person.  That is, we spend too little time thinking about the information.  This is important because active processing of information, not just passive reception of that information, leads to learning. Specifically, we understand the information we think about because understanding is the residue of thinking.  Therefore, in this seminar, September 29, 3:00 to 4:00pm, we will discuss strategies to create a joy, an excitement, and a love for learning.  By making learning fun, our students will be impatient to run home, study, and contemplate–to really learn. No registration is required for the Friday KIP Department Seminar to be held in 101 ATDC.

 

 

 

April

COFFEE CHAT: Writing Good Letters of Recommendation (Tuesday, April 12)

Most all instructors at Michigan Tech will be asked to write many letters of recommendation for students applying for jobs, internships, further schooling, or scholarships. How do we best convey what we know about the student? What if we don’t know the student very well? And what can we say that will make those reading the letter take notice? In this coffee chat, on Tuesday, April 12, from 3:30-4:30pm, we’ll discuss this topic with members of the Career Services Corporate Advisory Board  what they value in letters of recommendation. Also we will discuss how best to ensure that our letters have the intended impact. Refreshments will be provided to those who register by Friday, April 8Click here to register.

Lunch and Learn: Active Learning Classroom Open House and Luncheon (Thursday, April 14)

Since William G. Jackson’s gift three years ago, the CTL has been exploring options for a larger bring-your-own-device active learning classroom. With help from Information Technology, the advice of a diverse group of instructors, and inspiration from many other institutions, we finally started construction in January. The classroom, located in Rekhi Hall G05, should be ready for “Beta Testing” this summer and for full use by fall.
On April 14 from noon to 1pm, come and check out the capabilities of this 60-seat space and learn how you can apply to teach your flipped, active-learning, or group-focused class in it. Lunch will be provided to those who register by Monday, April 11. Click here to register.

March

GUEST SPEAKER LUNCHEON: The Rise of Network Scholars – Senenge Andzenge, Guest Presenter (Tuesday, March 15)

Traditionally, scholarship has been disseminated through journals which carry an editorial process that takes as long as a year from submission to publication. In many fast-moving fields, scholars are turning to faster – and sometimes more informal – ways of publicizing their work, including blogs, twitter feeds, and online journals. This change is impacting the way we define academic spaces and engage students in conversations about how to stay current in a field. Senenge T. Andzenge, the Instructional Technology Fellow of Digital Education and Innovation in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Minnesota, will share his expertise in this area and lead a discussion on how learning is changing across the academy. Lunch will be provided to those who register by Friday, March 11th. Click here to register.

WORKSHOP: Making Social Media Productive in Learning – Senenge Andzenge, Guest Presenter (Tuesday, March 15)

While social media has a reputation for communicating trivia, Senenge Andzenge is working to find ways to expand classrooms and learning into the broader world using unique social media tools. In this workshop, repeated in the morning and afternoon for your convenience, Senenge will explore two unique low-cost tools that allow classes to productively participate in online (and ongoing) video discussions from mobile devices. These tools could be used for small group, project-based, or full class discussions, and allow students to see facial expressions, hear vocal inflection, and share experiences as they discuss. Please register by Friday, March 11. Register for one of the available sessions: 10-11am Session and a 2-3pm Session.

GUEST SPEAKER LUNCHEON: Project-Based Approach to Global Literacy (Thursday, March 24)

On Thursday, March 24 from 11:30am-12:30pm, Dr. Richard Vaz, Dean of Interdisciplinary Studies at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), will give a talk on WPI’s Global Projects Program for which undergraduates are required to complete projects, located at project centers across the globe, that emphasize real-world problem solving, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. The projects are organized and overseen by WPI faculty and typically respond to problems identified by local organizations. Vaz will also present findings regarding the long-term impacts of project work completed away from campus. Lunch will be provided to those who register by Monday, March 21. Click here to register.

ASSESSMENT WORKSHOP: Advancing Global Literacy at Michigan Tech (Thursday, March 24)

In this workshop, scheduled for 3-5pm on Thursday, March 24, led by guest presenter Dr. Richard Vaz, participants will explore approaches to achieving goals for global literacy. Participants will start by identifying the global skills and abilities we want students to be able to demonstrate, and then consider different forms of evidence those skills and abilities might generate. Next, they’ll identify examples of assignments and activities that will generate the desired evidence. Finally, they’ll explore how those assignments and activities can fit into the curriculum, and discuss how to support successful and sustainable implementation.  Refreshments will be provided to those who register by Monday, March 21Click here to register.

WORKSHOP: Reducing Unintended Bias in the Classroom (Thursday, March 31)

It’s natural and necessary for people to use their “quick brain” to make judgments and generalizations below the level of conscious thought. In college classrooms, however, particularly those with few women and/or with other under-represented populations, these unconscious generalizations can impact student attitudes, behaviors and sense of belonging in subtle and unintended ways. The Engineering Inclusive Teaching Faculty Development series from WEPAN (the Women in Engineering Programs and Advocates Network) has provided an excellent preparation video and a wealth of scenarios on this topic. After viewing the preparation video, participants will gather for a coffee chat on Thursday, March 31, from 3:30-4:30pm, to explore the wealth of scenarios provided and also discuss specific strategies to help recognize some of these unconscious generalizations in order to reduce their negative impact on students. Refreshments will be provided to those who register by Monday, March 28Click here to register.

TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOPS (February and March) Click below for additional information and registration or email ctl@mtu.edu to schedule a consultation.

  • Panopto Recorder – Thursday, March 17 from 2-3pm
  • Nb (Annotation and Discussion Tool) – Tuesday, March 22, from 3-4pm
  • Mastery in Modules (Canvas Quizzes/Modules to Support Mastery)- Wednesday, March 23, from 3-4pm

February and March

MORNING COFFEE CHAT: Teamwork and Diversity (Friday, February 19)

Many of us assign group projects in our classes, but far fewer of us feel comfortable helping students navigate the complex interpersonal dynamics of those groups.  How do we keep them on task? What do we do when conflicts arise? How do we help them respect & value diversity? At this event, Marie Paretti, Associate Professor of Engineering Education and co-director of the Engineering Communications Center at Virginia Tech, will lead an informal discussion on these issues. She will draw on her own research — on communication and collaboration, design education, and identity (race, gender, class, etc.) in engineering — and that of others to share practical strategies for helping students develop and thrive in team environments. This event is being partially sponsored/funded by the Visiting Women & Minority Lecturer/Scholar Series (VWMLS), which is funded by a grant to Institutional Equity & Inclusion from the State of Michigan’s King-Chavez-Parks Initiative. Refreshments will be provided to those who register by Wednesday, February 17th. Click here to register.

LUNCH AND LEARN: Inclusive Classrooms (Tuesday, February 23)

Conscious or unconscious bias, whether based on culture, gender, sexual identity or other factors, can result in diminished learning.  In this session, co-sponsored by the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI), we’ll explore ways to avoid and address unintentional bias in a classroom.  Prior to the event, participants will be asked to watch several videos by experienced facilitators and select the most relevant topic for further lunchtime discussion. Topics include the imposter syndrome, underrepresented populations, language use, groupings, example choice, and campus resources for instructors.  Lunch will be provided to those who register by Friday, February 19th. Click here to register.

LUNCHEON: The Rise of Network Scholars – Senenge Andzenge, Guest Presenter (Tuesday, March 15)

Traditionally, scholarship has been disseminated through journals which carry an editorial process that takes as long as a year from submission to publication. In many fast-moving fields, scholars are turning to faster – and sometimes more informal – ways of publicizing their work, including blogs, twitter feeds, and online journals. This change is impacting the way we define academic spaces and engage students in conversations about how to stay current in a field. Senenge T. Andzenge, the Instructional Technology Fellow of Digital Education and Innovation in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Minnesota, will share his expertise in this area and lead a discussion on how learning is changing across the academy. Lunch will be provided to those who register by Friday, March 11th. Click here to register.

WORKSHOP: Making Social Media Productive in Learning – Senenge Andzenge, Guest Presenter (Tuesday, March 15)

While social media has a reputation for communicating trivia, Senenge Andzenge is working to find ways to expand classrooms and learning into the broader world using unique social media tools. In this workshop, repeated in the morning and afternoon for your convenience, Senenge will explore two unique low-cost tools that allow classes to productively participate in online (and ongoing) video discussions from mobile devices. These tools could be used for small group, project-based, or full class discussions, and allow students to see facial expressions, hear vocal inflection, and share experiences as they discuss. Refreshments will be available to those who register by Friday, March 11. Register for one of the available sessions: 10-11am Session and a 2-3pm Session.

TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOPS (February and March) Click below for additional information and registration.

February

DOUBLE HEADER COFFEE CHAT (Thursday, February 11). The two events are described below:

#1 From 2-3pm — Body Language in the Classroom: Allie Irwin, a 1989 Michigan Tech alumna in Mechanical Engineering and a certified Science of People consultant, will lead an interactive presentation to help us learn what a student’s body language tells us and how an instructor’s body language affects classroom interactions, student evaluation scores, and learning. Refreshments will be provided to those who register by Monday, February 8th. Click here to register.

#2 From 3:30-4:30pm — Impact of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS): The MI-STAR grant, led through Michigan Tech, is on the cutting edge of a nation-wide revolution in how Middle School science is taught. Come learn about the structure of the standards, how middle school teaching will change, and how Michigan Tech will have to adapt for students and classrooms with a very different mindset about STEM education. Refreshments will be provided to those who register by Monday, February 8th. Click here to register.

MORNING COFFEE CHAT: Teamwork and Diversity (Friday, February 19)

Many of us assign group projects in our classes, but far fewer of us feel comfortable helping students navigate the complex interpersonal dynamics of those groups.  How do we keep them on task? What do we do when conflicts arise? How do we help them respect & value diversity? At this event, Marie Paretti, Associate Professor of Engineering Education and co-director of the Engineering Communications Center at Virginia Tech, will lead an informal discussion on these issues. She will draw on her own research — on communication and collaboration, design education, and identity (race, gender, class, etc.) in engineering — and that of others to share practical strategies for helping students develop and thrive in team environments. This event is being partially sponsored/funded by the Visiting Women & Minority Lecturer/Scholar Series (VWMLS), which is funded by a grant to Institutional Equity & Inclusion from the State of Michigan’s King-Chavez-Parks Initiative. Refreshments will be provided to those who register by Wednesday, February 17th. Click here to register.

LUNCH AND LEARN: Inclusive Classrooms (Tuesday, February 23)

Conscious or unconscious bias, whether based on culture, gender, sexual identity or other factors, can result in diminished learning.  In this session, co-sponsored by the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI), we’ll explore ways to avoid and address unintentional bias in a classroom.  Prior to the event, participants will be asked to watch several videos by experienced facilitators and select the most relevant topic for further lunchtime discussion. Topics include the imposter syndrome, underrepresented populations, language use, groupings, example choice, and campus resources for instructors.  Lunch will be provided to those who register by Friday, February 19th. Click here to register.

TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOPS — Click below for additional information and registration.

December

Grade Submission Workshop: In this workshop, instructors will learn how to submit final grades from Banner and via Canvas. This workshop is recommended for instructors new to grade submission, or those simply wanting a refresher. This workshop is offered on the following dates:

– Thursday, December 10 from  10-11amClick here to register.
– Tuesday, December 14 from 2-3pm. Click here to register.

Also, please note that the CTL has assembled these Grade Submission Resources for your use.

January Event Announcements Coming Soon: No luncheons or coffee chats are scheduled for December, but announcements for our January 19 coffee chat and January 26 lunch and learn event will be posted soon.

September

The William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning schedules events for faculty and instructional staff to provide opportunities to learn new instructional strategies and tools and meet colleagues from other departments. 

Coffee Chat — Barbara Oakley — Looking Back on MOOC Development: Challenges and Opportunities (9/3): Dr. Barbara Oakley (author of “A Mind for Numbers”) returns to Michigan Tech this fall after successfully delivering a free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), titled “Learning How to Learn,” through Coursera to nearly a million students.  During this chat, Michigan Tech instructors will gain insight into her experience developing and delivering this MOOC as well as discuss metacognitive techniques all instructors can teach their students. (This event is partially sponsored by the Visiting Women & Minority Lecturer/Scholar Series (VWMLS), which is funded by a grant to the Michigan Tech Office of Institutional Equity, from the State of Michigan’s King-Chavez-Parks Initiative.) Coffee and light refreshments will be provided to those who register by Monday, August 31.  Join us for this event on Thursday, September 3 from 2:00 to 3:30pmClick here to register.

Coffee Chat — Faculty Learning Communities: An Effective Change Agent? (9/10): In this coffee chat, we’ll explore the nature, intent, and structure of a Faculty Learning Community (FLC) and explore the process of starting one here at Michigan Tech. To prepare for this discussion, participants will be asked to read two short articles by Milton Cox, who has used FLCs for over 20 years at Miami University as a way for faculty to learn about and become campus leaders on a wide variety of topics. His recent research demonstrates that FLCs are among the most effective ways to introduce and retain evidence-based instructional methods across campuses. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided to those who register by Friday, September 4.  Join us for this event on Thursday, September 10 from 3:30 to 4:30pmClick here to register.

Lunch and Learn — Metacognitive Strategies (9/16): As information becomes increasingly accessible, higher education is challenged to be more intentional in helping students hone strategies for learning. The explicit teaching of metacognitive strategies, which encourage students to examine their own thinking and approaches to learning different types of content, can improve retention and motivation. In this session we’ll examine and practice several metacognitive teaching skills, with an eye toward integrating them across virtually any discipline. Participants will be asked to read a short article in preparation for this workshop. Lunch will be provided to those who register by Friday, September 11. Join us for this event on Wednesday, September 16 from noon to 1:00pmClick here to register.

Webinar: Racial Climate on Campus: Best Practices

Please join Institutional Equity and Inclusion for the webinar The Racial Climate on Campus: Best Practices for Education, Response & Adjudication

A Discussion with Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington
Wednesday, July 22, 2-3:30pm in EERC 501

Race relations on campuses across the country have been charged, as a result of a number of incidents that have taken place in college communities and in communities at large.  Many institutions report having seen a loss of a civil community as we have known it to be – and we’ve seen a resurgence of student activism across the country in recent months, leaving administrators wondering how to encourage respectful student engagement.

Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington, President and Founder of the Social Justice Training Institute and Washington Consulting Group, will provide strategies for engaging in best practices that meet the needs of your diverse student body so you can educate students about what constitutes racist speech and action, respond to incidents swiftly and effectively when they do occur, and adjudicate incidents effectively and fairly.

Please email Susan Sullivan (susulliv@mtu.edu) to reserve a space for this webinar.