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Focus On Student Learning Series (FOSL)
RECAP ON OUR SPRING 2008 FOCUS ON STUDENT LEARNING SERIES PRESENTATIONS
Our spring 2008 FOSL series explored a wide range of topics and turnout at each of the three sessions was especially strong this semester.
We kicked off the series in February with special focus on the topic ofStudents Behaving Badly, led by Student Affairs representatives Dr. John Quincy Adams and Dave Cole. Morning and afternoon sessions were offered to accommodate the greatest variety of schedules and strong attendance at both sessions proved that this topic was one of special concern. Adams and Cole highlighted ways to recognize the signs of a problem student and then offered suggestions for effectively dealing with an array of disruptive, negative scenarios of unacceptable classroom behavior. Of course, the topic of classroom management arose during the presentation and it was emphasized that strict syllabus guidelines and unwavering adherence to classroom policies outlined on the first day of class was the best deterrent to unruly behavior, but as many faculty attested, some undesirable behavior is more deeply rooted in issues beyond the teacher’s control.
In March, we hosted our Second Annual Celebration of Student Learning, an opportunity we use each year to highlight ways in which recipients of recent Center for Teaching & Learning mini-grant awards have utilized grant funding to promote, encourage and expand student learning initiatives within their various disciplines. Over $5000 in grant funding was awarded to individuals, entire departments and academic support units by the CTL during the 2007-2008 academic year! The Celebration of Student Learning gave each of these recipients a chance to explain how funding was used and what benefits directly resulted from the initiatives they undertook.
The Celebration revealed a wide variety of ideas and opportunities for using grant funding for the purpose of enhancing student learning: from department-wide assessment retreats to the purchase of i-Clicker technology for classrooms; from accreditation certification to guest lecturers and consultants, our contributors during this year’s Celebration of Student Learning showed that creative proposals and innovative endeavors can earn big funding and wide support from the Center for Teaching & Learning and across the campus community. Special thanks and congratulations to all of our presenters this year: Dr. Alan Tinkler, Dr. Lois Patton, Dr. Rajeev Rajaram, Dr. Denis Berenschot, Dr. Osman Guzide, Kristin Kaineg, Dr. Weidong Liao, and Dr. Jason Best.
We closed our spring FOSL series with a presentation in April by French language instructor, Professor Rachel Ritterbusch on the topic of Drawing on Students’ Creativity. Ritterbusch often incorporates creative diversions into her regular curriculum with impressive results. She has found that group projects involving art, theatre, music and cooking energize students and invigorate the learning process. Attendees found Professor Ritterbusch’s suggestions to be creative and inclusive and suitable for any subject or class size. During her presentation, Ritterbusch shared examples of creative coursework that were the product of several of her class projects and shared a handout on the topic with those present that can also be found here for future reference.
Thanks again to all of our spring FOSL presenters and attendees. The FOSL series is an excellent opportunity to explore new ideas in teaching and learning and we look forward each semester to examining such important, exciting topics with you. Stay tuned for our fall 2008 FOSL series lineup! If you have a suggestion for an upcoming presentation you’d like to lead or just one you’d like to see offered, please contact Laura Renninger or Shannon Holliday in the Center for Teaching & Learning at 876-5461.