Category: Events

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 3:30pm. Click 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 4:30pm. Click 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 1:00pm. Click here to register.

Global Literacy Learning Goal Luncheon – April 8

During the next academic year, Michigan Tech will focus on assessing and improving the way Global Literacy (learning goal #3) is taught, both in general education and across all disciplines. This event is designed to get faculty ready. Participants will be asked to do some preparation about one week before this event. The goal committee will then lead discussions on assessment criteria, sample assignments and other ideas to weave Global Literacy skills into any program. Sign up here.

Plagiarism Education Week 2015

Turnitin’s 2015 Plagiarism Education Week conference, Copy/Paste/Culture, examines how current global trends are affecting our values, especially those related to education, and proposes strategies on how we can address these challenges. The Office of Academic and Community Conduct is partnering with the Center for Teaching & Learning to host 45-minute webcasts devoted to sharing ideas and best practices with educators and students about plagiarism and academic integrity. Premier thought leaders will include educational experts, passionate educators and Turnitin All-Stars, all of whom will share their perspectives, lessons, and research. These webcasts will be recorded and a link will be made available at a later date. All faculty, staff and students are invited to attend! For more information please contact Rob Bishop via email (rmbishop@mtu.edu) or phone (487-1964).

Monday, April 20, 2015 at 1 pm, Admin Bldg – Room 404
Changing Culture to Promote Integrity: Why Progress Is Possible
David Callahan, author of The Cheating Culture: Why More Americans Are Doing Wrong to Get Ahead

Monday, April 20, 2015 at 4 pm, Admin Bldg – Room 404
A Student-Centered Culture: Promoting Integrity One Conversation at a Time
Michael Goodwin, Academic Integrity Coordinator at Kennesaw State University

Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 1 pm, Admin Bldg – Room 404
Narcissism and Extrinsic Values: Understanding Student Trends that Impact Plagiarism and Cheating
Jean Twenge, author of The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement

Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 4 pm,, Admin Bldg – Room 404
Wikipedia in the Classroom: Authority, Trust, and Information Literacy
LiAnna Davis, Director of Programs at Wiki Education Foundation

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 1 pm,  MUB – Alumni Lounge
Improvisation and Plagiarism: Fostering a Culture of Creativity
Teresa Fishman, Director of the International Center for Academic Integrity (ICAI)

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 1 pm,  MUB – Alumni Lounge
The Cultural Implications of Contract Cheating
Tricia Bertram Gallant, Director of Academic Integrity at UC San Diego

Thursday, April 21, 2015 at 1 pm,, Admin Bldg – Room 404
Decisions on Deadline: A 21st Century Gaming Approach to Teach Plagiarism and Ethics
Samantha Grant and Brittney Shepherd, co-producers of A Fragile Trust

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 faculty from other departments. 

Balancing Work and Life: Great Teaching and Time for You (2/26): New methods of teaching allow communication with students from virtually any place at any time.  How do you find a balance that meets student needs but leaves time for family and personal needs?   The Michigan Tech Work-Life Advisory Committee and the William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning co-hosts this coffee chat in which we’ll explore tips and techniques for balancing the many demands on today’s instructors.  We’ll also brainstorm ways the committee can advocate for the flexibility and resources to keep instructor roles balanced. This coffee chat event is scheduled for Thursday, February 26 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided to those who register by Monday, February 23. Click here to register.

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 faculty from other departments.  Coffee Chat- Testing Center: Input for Continued Growth and Change (1/20): The Michigan Tech Testing Center has been in existence for just over a year. In that time, it has experienced exponential growth and rapid technological change. In this session, we’ll discuss some of the challenges faced and look for instructor input to optimize resources to handle an expanding repertoire of sponsored exams, an increasing number of accommodated exams, and new security challenges. This coffee chat event is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided to those who register by Friday, January 16. Click here to register. Luncheon – Terrific Tools for Blending and Active Learning (1/27): High and low tech tools are being invented constantly to help keep students active and provide instructional flexibility. In this workshop, we’ll survey some of the best tools available and then give participants a chance to explore those that might work best for them. This luncheon is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27 from noon-1 p.m. Lunch will be provided to those who register by Friday, January 23. Click here to register.