Are you looking for a place to share great ideas about teaching and learn from fellow faculty in the context of a community of teachers?
The Committee on Teaching Development would like to invite you to join one of the teaching circles that have formed this fall. Each group listed below represents a teaching circle of 5-8 LU faculty and staff members who have just begun meeting regularly (yet informally, often over lunch, etc.). If you are interested in joining any of the circles, please e-mail the contact person for that group for more information on times/dates/topics/etc. If you have general questions about the Teaching Circles Program, please contact Julie Haurykiewicz via e-mail or by phone at x7022.
Alternative Pedagogies
The Alternative Pedagogies Teaching Circle is interested in exploring issues such as: contemplative pedagogy (relating contemplative practices [e.g., meditation] to teaching and learning); feminist pedagogy; and other unique perspectives on the process of teaching and the place of a self-reflective teacher.
Contact: Ruth Lanouette and Gene Biringer
Effective Teaching
This group is comprised of faculty who wish to share strategies for developing and reflecting on their teaching techniques. The circle plans to discuss issues such as: learning and teaching styles; alternatives to lectures; getting the most out of small group work; teaching to varied abilities/interest levels; and how to create a classroom environment which promotes active learning and engaged discussions.
Contact: Julie Haurykiewicz
Emerging Technologies
This circle is interested in the multiple uses of technology in the classroom and how technology can be used to enhance student learning. New technologies may seem daunting at first, but in the supportive environment of this circle, you’ll learn to use those technologies to expand your teaching repertoire.
Contact: Julie Fricke
Freshman Studies Teaching
This circle will focus on issues relating to the teaching of Freshman Studies–including assigning and grading papers, promoting active discussion, and brainstorming responses to challenges presented by the works. New and experienced Freshman Studies instructors are welcome.
Contact: Tim Spurgin
*”Joining the Conversation”: Helping Students Transition to College Intellectual Life
*The “Joining the Conversation” circle will explore how faculty can assist students in joining the intellectual/academic conversation(s) we hope that they will grow to take part in as they progress through college. In other words, this circle will consider how best to support and instruct students as we ask them to engage scholarship, find their own academic voice, and take a stand in the intellectual debates essential to liberal education. The group has begun their exploration by reading and discussing selections from authors such as Gerald Graff (/Clueless in Academe/) and examining high school writing materials (syllabi, essay assignments, graded writing samples, etc.).
Contact Dominica Chang