Explanations are one of teaching’s most central activities and yet something we rarely think about, in general, or how we do them specifically. This article will elaborate further on this subject.
Are We Clear? Tips for Crafting Better Explanations
From: Faculty Focus
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.
Cell phones are used in class by students regardless any policy restricting them. Should we continue to fight against device usage in class, or find other ways to keep students focused on the lecture?
How Concerned Should We Be About Cell Phones in Class?
From: Faculty Focus
By: Maryellen Weimer, PhD
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 
of 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.
Class discussions can be forgettable or they can have a great impact on students. This article discusses how you can make sure your discussions are the latter.
Nine Ways to Improve Class Discussions
From: Faculty Focus
By: Maryellen Weimer, PhD
Sarah is working to achieve a Computer Network and System Administration majorwith a Psychology minor. She has been working for the Center for Teaching and
Learning for a year. Outside of education Sarah likes hanging out with friends, fixing
computers, and walking dogs. She is a member of Intervarsity, National Leading
Scholars Social Planning Committee and volunteers at her church.
A great article on why the ideas behind why the policies are in place must be discussed with the students so they understand why the policies are in place.
Why Policies Fail to Promote Better Learning Decisions
Jason is an Electrical and Computer and Engineering major. He has been working for the Jackson CTL for about half a year now. His Hobbies include watching soccer, playing board game and playing video games in his spare time.
Andrew is a Computer Engineering student. Outside of classes and the CTL Andrew likes to read, watch movies, go into Houghton and play video games with friends.
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.