Learning Communities

The Ellbogen Center for Teaching and Learning sponsors several learning communities that bring together various groups of faculty and graduate students from across campus to engage in active and collaborative programming for the purpose of enhancing teaching and learning.

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Assessment Learning Community (AY 24-25)

More information forthcoming

 

Graduate Teaching Assistant Learning Community (Fall 2024)

More information forthcoming

 

New Faculty

In-Person: Tuesdays. 10:30am to 12:00pm MST | Coe Library 510
Dates: 9/10, 9/24, 10/8, 10/22,11/5, 11/19

Online: Fridays, 9:00am to 10:30am MST
Dates: 9/13, 9/27, 10/11, 10/25, 11/8, 11/22

This learning community for new faculty offers valuable insights for educators at all experience levels, from novices to seasoned professionals. You'll gain access to an online, non-credit course comprising six comprehensive modules. These modules cover various topics, including crafting effective student learning outcomes, implementing active learning techniques, and mastering online teaching strategies. The flexible format allows you to engage with the content as much or as little as you need, tailoring your experience to your specific requirements. Each module includes a brief assignment, which we'll discuss in synchronous sessions held in-person and via Zoom throughout the semester. By participating in these groups, you'll reflect on pedagogical best practices and forge connections with faculty across various disciplines on campus.

Application Due:
Friday, August 30th, 2024

 

Teaching Critical Thinking in the Age of AI: Thinking for ourselves is so early 20th Century! (Fall 2024)

Whether we like it or not, AI is infiltrating all aspects of our lives. In this learning community, we’ll explore ways to elevate critical and creative thinking to retain our intellectual agency. Our aim is not to reject AI, but to leverage it as a tool to drive critical thinking.

In the fall, we’ll read and discuss two complementary texts:

• Confidence in Critical Thinking: Developing Learners in Higher Education (Arlene Egan)
• TextGenEd: Teaching with Text Generation Technologies (Annette Vee, Tim Liquintano, and Carly Schnitzler, eds)

In the spring, we’ll turn our attention to applying what we’ve learned to our own pedagogy and curricula.

Applications will be due Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 5:00pm MST.

When: Tuesdays 12:30-2:00m MST | 9/3, 10/1, 10/22, 11/12, 12/3

 

Teaching Online Learning Community (AY 24-25)

The concept of small teaching is simple: small and strategic changes have enormous power to improve student learning. Instructors face unique and specific challenges when teaching an online course. This learning community will focus on the book "Small Teaching Online: by Flower Darby with James Lang, which offers small teaching strategies that will positively impact the online classroom.

In the Fall, we will discuss the book. In the Spring, we will discuss application of the strategies described in the book, share findings, and demonstrate changes in our teaching based on the readings. 

Applications are due by September 3rd, 2024.

When: Mondays 11am - 12pm

     Fall: 9/9,  9/30, 10/14, 10/28, 11/18

     Spring: 2/3, 2/24, 3/10, 4/7, 4/21

 

Ungrading

There have been many innovations in education. We have moved from classrooms to Zoom and back again. We have learned to teach  effectively in synchronous and asynchronous, online environments. We have explored and implemented active, team-based, collaborative, project-based, problem-based pedagogy in our classrooms, increasing students’ engagement and learning. We have learned how games and game theory can be used to increase student engagement in class materials. In short, we have transformed education in many ways. How else might we inspire ourselves and our students? What else might we explore? 

 

Unlock the Power of Dialogue: A Learning Community

In our fast-paced world, effective communication often eludes us, whether in classrooms, meetings, or personal interactions. While we may understand communication principles, applying them can be challenging. This learning community offers a transformative approach to address this gap.

Explore the Art of Successful Dialogue —a powerful mode of discourse aimed at deepening understanding of ourselves and others. Learn how collaborative communication/reflective dialogue can inspire constructive thinking and foster meaningful connections.

Building on the work of Dr. John Peters (Professor Emeritus, University of Tennessee) and his students, this community provides a unique opportunity to enhance your communication skills in a supportive environment. Join like-minded professionals committed to mastering the art of dialogue and collaborative communication. Experience a highly engaging, hands-on approach to learning that will transform your communication abilities.

What to Expect:

- Expert guidance and real-time practice in the art of thinking together 

- Exploration of the aspects of effective dialogue

- Reflections on readings from a variety of authors communication

Ready to revolutionize the way you connect and communicate? Apply to join our learning community by Tuesday, September 3rd. Seats are limited to ensure the best opportunity for dialogue!