The highlight of my CELT Conference experience? Probably getting to physically act out the elements of the human digestive system with a dozen esteemed colleagues in a Teaching Slam. But today’s tip—gleaned from multiple conference sessions—is less, well, gross.
It turns out that whether or not a High Impact Practice—like a capstone course or an internship or a collaborative learning experience—actually has a high impact often hinges on whether or not students have been given—and take—the time to think about what and how they are learning, and how their learning is reshaping who they are. This can be done, of course, in long, rewarding, and schedule-wrecking office hour conversations, but it can also be integrated into regular assignments: “How my mind has changed” exam questions, portfolio reviews, group process reflection questions at the end of collaborative projects, even a 5-minute end-of-class reflective quick-write. Who knew “high impact” could be so quiet?
And now: Two faculty development opportunities for your consideration:
- The call for applications for CELT Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) grants is now available on the CELT website. These are awards of up to $1,000 in Professional Development Funds to support dissemination of pedagogical research at a major academic or professional conference and/or attendance of a learning & teaching-centered conference or workshop. Proposals are due Monday December 1. See full details here.
- Chico’s Affordable Learning Solutions (AL$) program invites faculty applications to the Textbook Alternatives Project (TAP) to help research and implement alternatives to expensive print textbooks. Participants will learn about AL$ options and possibilities and will work with faculty librarians and TLP consultants focused on their class(es). Participants will receive $1,000 stipends. Applications are available here, or contact TLP’s Laura Sederberg for more information, lsederberg@csuchico.edu or 898-4326. This project is being co-sponsored by TLP, CELT, and Meriam Library.
And forget the coffee, you should come to the 4th floor of the library just to see the incredible student collaboration that is going on—all day—around white boards, in table pods, in squishy chairs; on chemistry, history, math, you name it. The energy is great. Come check it out—it will make you proud to be part of their faculty.
Oh, and remember to let me know if you’re interested in being part of a Faculty Writing Circle.
*Authored by Dr. Katherine McCarthy.
