Greetings from CETL!
You can sense the excitement in the air as we near the first day of classes at MSU! The parking lots are filling up, traffic is busy and faculty are preparing for that first class....again. This newsletter will serve as an informational link to all MSU faculty from our Center. We hope to have a new newsletter each week. If you are interested in writing an article or commentary as part of the newsletter drop us a line. All we ask is that is be on a topic related to teaching and learning.
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning is here to help ALL faculty with teaching and learning related issues. To this end we have in place the following aids and activities for the school year. Please read through the following list and see if there is some aid that might be useful for your teaching and learning.
- The Center has a new website. The easiest way to visit the first is to go to the MSU homepage and click on "faculty and staff" up in the left hand corner. Then click on "Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning." Make sure you bookmark this page so you can go to the site easily whenever you need information. On the site you will find all of the programs offered by the Center along with information and resources you can use. You will find grant opportunities, information about summer stipends, FIG's, sabbaticals etc. You will also find information on how to apply for these awards. Make sure you bookmark this site soon.
- The Center is sponsoring new faculty workshops this year that will take place every other week on either Thursday or Friday at noon. Free lunches will be provided as we discuss topics of interest to new faculty from technology issues to improving your syllabus. All new faculty are welcome to attend. No registration is required. For more information go to the website. If you are not a new faculty make sure you mention this great opportunity to those you know who are new to the university (they have been contacted personally by the Center already).
- Peer Faculty Consultants are now available to ALL MSU faculty! What a great opportunity. We now have nine trained faculty who are available to come to your class, talk to the students, observe your teaching and then discuss their findings in a non-threatening, supportive way. This consultation is strictly confidential and private. No records will be kept and any notes will be given to the faculty member at the end of the consultation. Go to the website to see the nine faculty who are prepared to help you find out "how am I doing." Contact the Center for more information or to prepare for a consultation (first come, first served). Most consultations will take place between the 4th and 8th weeks of class, if possible.
- Two all day conference on campus this year. You don't have to drive 100 miles to attend a great teaching and learning conference. On October 29th we will have our first ever, "Talking About Teaching and Technology" Conference. On February 19th we will host our second "Talking About Teaching and Learning" Conference. Both will be held at MSU. Mark you calendars now!
- Last year we had a highly successful book group (actually two of them) that met every other week at noon and discussed the book, "Classroom Assessment Techniques." Participants received the book free of charge and engaged in lively discussion while attempting to use the material learned in their own classes. For spring semester we have arranged to have another assessment group along with a new group which will read a wonderful new book, "Creating Significant Learning Experiences." Again, participants will receive these books free of charge. Watch the website for registration information during the middle of the semester.
- The Center has numerous books available to faculty on teaching and learning issues. Stop by the office (Morris 267) and check out a book on a subject you are interested in.
- Active Learning Consultations will soon be available. Watch for this on the website.
- You can now sign up for the two day workshop: "Moving Towards Respect" November 10-11 in Faribault and November 12-13 at MSU. For more information contact suzanne.bunkers@mnsu.edu.
NEW FACULTY MEMBER OF THE WEEK
Welcome Tom Brown! Tom is a probationary faculty member in the Physics and Astronomy department.
