- Coffee Chat — Everyday Examples in Engineering (2/18)
- Coffee Chat — Assessment at Tech: Composition Revealed (2/20)
- Coffee Chat — Scientific Teaching (3/4)
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Coffee Chat — ENGAGE: Gretchen Hein, Amber Kemppainen, and Nilufer Onder have received grants through two different branches of the National Science Foundation’s ENGAGE program. Gretchen and Amber have been working to create and implement “Everyday Examples in Engineering” (E3’s) in their instruction, and Nilufer has explored several ways to promote Faculty-Student Interaction (FSI). In this coffee chat, we’ll work through several E3’s and discuss how bringing your practical interests (and ducks!) into the classroom can provide motivation for and connection with your students. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided to those who register by Friday February 14. Join us for this event on Tuesday, February 18 from 3:30-4:30pm. Click here to register.
Coffee Chat – Assessment at Tech: Composition Revealed — This year, all degree programs are working on University Student Learning Goal #5: Communication. UN1015, Composition, is a required general education course taken by all Michigan Tech undergraduates. Join Dr. Karla Kitalong, Director of the Composition Program, for an overview of UN1015 Composition. What do students learn in the course? What kinds of papers do they write? How can disciplinary courses build on the foundational knowledge of UN1015? Coffee and light refreshments will be provided to those who register by Tuesday February 18. Join us for this event on Thursday, February 20 from 3:30-4:30pm. Click here to register.
Coffee Chat – Scientific Teaching –– Last summer, Mike Meyer (CTL), Brigitte Morin (Bio) and Nancy Auer (Bio) attended a week-long National Academics Institute at the University of Minnesota. The workshop focused on teaching science in a way that is “more faithful to the true nature of science by capturing the process of discovery in the classroom.” (Handelsman et al., 2004) The method focuses on constructivism, active learning, and unique methods of assessment, and could be applied in almost any discipline. In late March, Mark Decker, one of the institute leaders, will visit Michigan Tech for a general presentation. This Coffee Chat will give preliminary exposure to the principles and methods. Those that find the approach interesting will be invited to a reading group and special meeting with Mark during his visit. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided to those who register by Tuesday February 28. Join us for this event on Tuesday, March 4 from 3:30-4:30pm. Click here to register.