Center for Teaching and Learning Blog

Category: CTL

April

Published
By

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 8. Click 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.
Continue Reading →

March

Published
By

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 21. Click 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 28. Click 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
Continue Reading →

February and March

Published
By

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.

Continue Reading →

January and February

Published
By

Lunch and Learn —Teaching Technology Tips: (Tuesday, Feb. 26)In this session, we’ll introduce you to a number of technologies currently available free or at very low cost. We’ll discuss how these tools could help you communicate with students, organize course materials, or motivate learning. Follow-up workshops will be scheduled throughout spring semester for each tool demonstrated if you find one you like! Lunch will be provided to those who register by Friday, January 22.  Join us for this event on Tuesday, January 26 from  noon to 1:00pm. Click here to register.

Double Header Coffee Chat (Thursday, Feb. 11) – Two events are scheduled:

#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.

Continue Reading →

January

Published
By

Coffee Chat —Student Accommodation Process (1/19): More than five percent of Michigan Tech students are now registered for some kind of testing accommodation. This is consistent with national trends, and we will likely see this number continue to grow. In this Coffee Chat, we’ll address common questions surrounding the accommodations process. Discussion will include the process by which students are granted accommodations, established university and recommended classroom policies surrounding accommodations, and ways to minimize extra work associated with this growing student need.   Refreshments will be provided to those who register by Friday, January 15. Join us for this event on Tuesday, January 19 from  3:30pm to 4:30pm. Click here to register.

Lunch and Learn —Teaching Technology Tips (1/26): In this session, we’ll introduce you to a number of technologies currently available free or at very low cost. We’ll discuss how these tools could help you communicate with students, organize course materials, or motivate learning. Follow-up workshops will be scheduled throughout spring semester for each tool demonstrated if you find one you like! Lunch will be provided to those who register by Friday, January 22.  Join us for this event on Tuesday, January 26 from  12:00pm to 1:00pm. Click here to register.

 

Continue Reading →

December

Published
By

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  10-11am. Click 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.

Continue Reading →

November

Published
By

Lunch and Learn — Civility (11/11): From questioning grades to texting during class, instructors often perceive a variety of student behaviors as unprofessional or downright rude. But a recent article by Robin Lightner of Blue Ash College asks whether these behaviors can be reframed in the context of an environment where “instant service” and “ubiquitous technology” are the norm. In this workshop, we’ll explore strategies to proactively address inappropriate classroom behaviors and help students better understand expectations.  Lunch will be provided to those who register by Friday, November 6. Join us for this event on Wednesday, November 11 from  Noon to 1:00pm. Click here to register.

Coffee Chat — Goal 2: Knowledge of the Physical and Natural World (11/12):Are you teaching a course on the new General Education Mathematics or Science Lists? If so, this session is for you! The Goal 2 Committee will review the university goal rubric for Knowledge of the Physical and Natural World and discuss ideas from some pilot assessments. Participants will practice scoring sample assignments with the rubric, consider final exam data from large classes, and brainstorm ideas for designing assignments. Lunch will be provided to those who register by Monday, November 9. Join us for this event on Thursday, November 12 from  3:30 to 4:30pm. Click here to register.

Coffee Chat — Student Mental Health(11/17): An increasing percentage of college students struggle with mental health disorders — including anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse disorders, PTSD, and other conditions — posing unique challenges. Instructors are often among the first to recognize a need for intervention but are often unsure how best to help.  In this session, Amber Bennett, Assistant Director of Michigan Tech Counseling Services, will work through common student scenarios with participants. We’ll discuss resources, warning signs, best practices, and things to avoid in our instructional role. Join us for this event on Wednesday, November 17 from 3:30 to 4:30. Click here to register.

Continue Reading →

James Wood

Published
By

 James is a bioinformatics student. He was originally a biomedical engineering student until he switched majors over the summer. He has worked at the Jackson CTL for 1 year and also works as the business manager IMAG0096of the Lode student newspaper. Outside of Michigan Tech, James doesn’t do much professionally. In his spare time James enjoys catching up with the fam, playing board games & video games with friends, biking and other outdoor activities, playing guitar, and binging on Netflix.

Continue Reading →

October

Published
By

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 -The Future of iClickers (10/1): Student response systems continue to evolve, and many (including iClicker) are moving toward replacing dedicated devices with phone or tablet apps. These apps offer new tools for instructors and students and potentially lower costs, but reliability and the potential distraction caused by the device is of concern to many.  In this session, we’ll discuss the changes iClicker is making and look at some app-based products that have already been piloted on campus.  Our goal: gather input about whether/when a change in (or addition to?)  the campus standard is appropriate.  All clicker-using instructors are encouraged to attend! Coffee and light refreshments will be provided to those who register by Wednesday,  September 30.  Join us for this event on Thursday, October 1 from 3:30 to 4:30pm. Click here to register.

Lunch and Learn — Jackson Blended Learning Grant Showcase (10/13): In January 2015, through a generous gift from William G. Jackson, the CTL awarded $1000, $5000 and $10,000 grants to teams of instructors for blended learning projects at Michigan Tech. This luncheon will showcase these grant projects, which include ways to share and organize blended learning content items,  flipped-classrooms, and even a  new online course. Participants will be invited to explore the work funded by these grants prior to the luncheon and then select facilitators for further conversation.  The goal is to encourage participants to use blended techniques in their classes. Lunch will be provided to those who register by Friday, October 9. Join us for this event on Tuesday, October 13 from noon to 1:00pm. Click here to register.

Pedagogical Workshop — Fostering Productive Group Dynamics in Instruction (10/20): Due to the positive response of the CTL’s 2013 Great Groups Lunch and Learn event, the CTL collaborated with Sonia Goltz and Roger Woods from the School of Business and Economics to develop and deliver this workshop for Michigan Tech instructors and staff. This workshop is ideal for those who support students in team projects—in courses or other contexts. Workshop participants will learn about group development and explore strategies for setting expectations and holding team members accountable. Note: To make the most of this workshop experience, you will be asked to complete a video and quiz pre-assignment in Canvas before attending this workshop.  Join us for this event on Tuesday, October 20 from 1:30pm to 3:00pm. Click here to register.

Coffee Chat — University Goal 3: Global Literacy (10/22): 

Join the Global Literacy Goal Committee for a Q&A on the goal#3 rubric, discuss alternative pathways to global literacy, and talk about issues & opportunities for introducing global literacy in your program curriculum. While the primary audience is degree program curriculum committee members, anyone interested in the topic is welcome to join the discussion.Hosted by the goal committee for University Student Learning Goal 3: Global Literacy. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided to those who register by Wednesday,  October 21.  Join us for this event on Thursday, October 22 from 3:30 to 4:30pm. Click here to register.

Continue Reading →