Learning Communities

Philosophies, strategies, and technologies involved in teaching & learning can all evolve over time. We love to share well-established findings through workshops, but sometimes a space to discuss and interrogate ideas without the pressure of needing to already have the answers can provide a fresh perspective on the challenges of teaching.  Instructor learning communities provide an avenue to explore and discuss these timely topics.

Structure: Learning Communities will meet at least four times a year to discuss books, articles, lectures, or some other artifact surrounding a particular topic of interest.
Dates & Times: Some learning communities will have dates & times scheduled in advance, but if you are interested in participating please register even if these times don't work for your schedule. We may offer alternate schedules to meet demand.
Incentives: The CTT will provide books for those interested in participating in a learning community. Participation in a learning community also contributes toward the Reflective Practitioner Program.
Topics: This year the CTT will facilitate learning communities on the topics below

Spring 2023 Learning Communities

The following learning communities will be offered in Spring 2023:

Academic Ableism, facilitated by Grace Troupe and Abby Mitchell

This learning community is being offered in collaboration with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI). For a description, schedule, and to register, go to #NCLUDE Learning Groups and select Group #5. Register soon! Groups start meeting in early February, and participation is capped.

The Value of Play in Higher Education, facilitated by Julia Remsik Larsen

Would you like to play a game? This group will dive into one study that explores the value of bringing play and playfulness into the classroom. We will read the book The Value of Play in HE: A Study by Dr. Alison James, in which she dives into existing research and theoretical knowledge, describes her study, and sheds light on some critiques of this pedagogical approach. The e-book is available for free through Dr. James's blog. This group will meet biweekly, beginning in late February. Registration is now closed for this learning community.

Creating Inclusive Online Communities, facilitated by Amy Ort and Zach Manley

This learning community is being offered in collaboration with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI). For a description, schedule, and to register, go to #NCLUDE Learning Groups and select Group #4. Register soon! Groups start meeting in early February, and participation is capped.

Ongoing: Alternative Grading Strategies

Cover of book: 'Ungrading: 'Why Rating Students Undermines Learning (and What to Do Instead)'Professor Susan Blum describes her decision to try “ungrading” as a way to create a space for “adventure, zest, risk - and genuine learning.” In this year-long learning community, we will discuss the principles of ungrading and how to apply it in one of our courses. Specifically, we will spend fall semester discussing Blum’s edited volume, Ungrading: Why Rating Students Undermines Learning (and What to Do Instead). We will also workshop how we will redesign one of our courses to apply the ungrading approach. In the spring semester, we will meet to discuss our experiences and reflect on student feedback.

Facilitator: Emily Kazyak, associate professor of sociology and women's & gender studies

This learning community is scheduled to meet Wednesdays 11am-12pm on the following dates:

  • August 31
  • September 28
  • November 16
  • January 25
  • March 22
  • May 3

-Registration Closed-

Propose a Learning Community

If you’re interested in proposing a topic for a future learning community, contact Steven Cain.