Friday, February 28, 2020
12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Check-in begins at 11:45 a.m.
The Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and the Center for Transformative Teaching are pleased to sponsor the spring 2020 Teaching and Learning Symposium on February 28 at Nebraska Innovation Campus. This symposium provides an opportunity to engage in conversations about teaching and learning, to hear from experts on emerging issues in improving student outcomes, and to network with others seeking to improve teaching at Nebraska.
Schedule of Events
| 12:00 p.m. |
Lunch and Informal Networking |
|---|---|
| 12:45 p.m. |
Welcome and Keynote IntroductionWelcome from director Nick Monk, Center for Transformative Teaching, and introduction of keynote speaker Jennifer Smith of the University of Florida |
| 1:00-2:30 p.m. |
Interactive KeynoteSmall Group Discussion: A Powerhouse for LearningJennifer K. Smith, MFA, director of the Center for Teaching Excellence, and former associate professor of theater, University of Florida Drawing upon social learning research, her extensive experience conducting pedagogical programming, and a background in the theater arts, Jennifer Smith will present small group discussion as a flexible teaching tool supporting a variety of course, learner, and classroom goals. Discussion fosters student critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. Peer-to-peer interaction helps to develop the ability to apply, evaluate, and translate knowledge to different contexts, and social learning enhances a sense of belonging. Discussion activities can be used in concert with lectures, project work, and other learning strategies in both face-to-face and online contexts. Some discussion protocols will be demonstrated, and challenges will be matched to possible solutions. [Download a PDF version of the presentation]  |
| 2:30 p.m. |
Refreshment Break |
| 2:45-3:30 p.m. |
Concurrent Breakout Sessions 1Effective Faculty Development Through Faculty Discussion: College-Level Challenges, Goals and Classroom-based Strategies to Promote Student Discussion, Part ICAS Teaching Academy Fellows: Deborah Minter, associate professor, English; Leen-Kiat Soh, professor, engineering computer science; Manda Williamson, associate professor of practice, psychology; with Wayne Babchuck, associate professor of practice, educational psychology This workshop will be delivered in two parts and is designed to accomplish two objectives: First a brief report on a recent mixed-methods study of CAS faculty teaching goals, classroom learning strategies and challenges will be offered. In Part II (second breakout session), and in light of our shared interest in fostering richer classroom-based discussions, the workshop will apply some of the practical tips offered from the keynote to allow faculty to incorporate discussion-based strategies within their courses, focusing on a specific lesson and set of lesson objectives that faculty should bring to the symposium in advance of the workshop. Using Virtual Exchange as a Teaching Tool: Methods and Best PracticesDipra Jha, director of global engagement, associate professor of practice, dept. of hospitality, restaurant, and tourism management This session will discuss planning and implementation of virtual exchange classrooms and explore best practices in collaborative online international learning (COIL). Participants will examine examples from the UNL Global Virtual Classrooms project and take away ideas for using virtual exchange in their own teaching. Download: UNL CTT Presentation Dipra Jha © 2020 Social Engagement in Learning: Yellowdig as a Tool for Discussions, a Faculty PanelPanel moderator: Tawnya Means, assistant dean and director, College of Business Teaching and Learning Center, assistant professor of practice, management Panel participants: Kristin Malek, assistant professor, nutrition & health sciences, Rob Simon, associate professor of practice, marketing, and Uche Jarett, assistant professor of practice, economics Yellowdig is a social engagement platform available at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for faculty to add to their Canvas course site. The platform is integrated into Canvas with single sign-on and grade pass back. Instructors can configure the settings to encourage student engagement through discussion, Q&A, and sharing of resources and information. A panel of new and experienced faculty will share how they use Yellowdig in their teaching. |
| 3:35-4:30 p.m. |
Concurrent Breakout Sessions 2Effective Faculty Development Through Faculty Discussion: College-Level Challenges, Goals and Classroom-based Strategies to Promote Student Discussion, Part IICAS Teaching Academy Fellows: Deborah Minter, associate professor, English; Leen-Kiat Soh, professor, engineering computer science; Manda Williamson, associate professor of practice, psychology; with Wayne Babchuck, associate professor of practice, educational psychology Building upon the discussion from breakout session I of the mixed-methods study of CAS faculty teaching goals and classroom learning strategies, the second part of the workshop will apply some of the practical tips offered from the keynote to allow faculty to incorporate discussion-based strategies within their courses, focusing on a specific lesson and set of lesson objectives that faculty should bring to the symposium in advance of the workshop. Attendees do not need to have been at the first breakout session. Speed Sessions: “Small Teaching” Tips to Promote Effective LearningFacilitator: Brian Wilson, instructional design technology specialist, Center for Transformative Teaching In this speed session, faculty from across campus will present a series of five-minute talks, describing “small teaching” (to borrow a phrase from James M. Lang) tips and hints that have engaged their students, promoted effective learning, and did not require an entire course redesign. Participants will have the opportunity to consider how they would apply a strategy to their class and will receive handouts outlining the strategy, research, steps in implementation, examples, and contacts. Download: Speed Session Handouts |
| 4:30 p.m. |
Symposium Adjourns |
Topics