Penn State University

Events

Instructional Foundations Series
Facilitated by Deena Levy, Associate Research Professor, and Mary Ann Tobin, Associate Research Professor
Thursday, 1/4/2024 to Sunday, 4/21/2024, Asynchronous
Canvas: Instructional Foundations Series SP24

Image of Deena LevyImage of Mary Ann Tobin

Instructional Foundations is a series of workshops for graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and instructors from all disciplines who have never taught at the university level (grading experience OK) prior to Spring 2024. The series is designed to provide people new to college teaching with knowledge, skills and confidence they can use in their first teaching experience. As a participant in this series, you will gain: - information on best practices from the teaching and learning literature - opportunities to discuss implementation with a group of peers - a chance to discuss teaching techniques and strategies with an experienced instructor in your discipline.

Registration opens December 6, 2023 and closes January 10, 2024.

 

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

Universal Design for Learning
Facilitated by Mary Ann Tobin, Associate Research Professor
Monday, 1/8/2024 to Friday, 5/31/2024
Canvas (OL3600: Universal Design for Learning)

Image of Mary Ann Tobin

The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) course is an introductory overview for instructors and designers who embrace student variability, strive for equity, seek to implement research-based learning practices, and want to empower students through flexibility. The course includes the rationale and research that supports UDL, applications of UDL, and opportunities to reflect upon changes in your teaching and learning practices. Participants will explore UDL terms, principles, structures, and applications. Facilitated by Mary Ann Tobin, this self-directed, asynchronous course is a collaboration between the Schreyer Institute and World Campus Online Faculty Development.

Enroll at any time before May 31, 2024 at https://wcfd.psu.edu. You will have 60 days to complete the course.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

Course in College Teaching
Facilitated by Deena Levy, Associate Research Professor, Mary Ann Tobin, Associate Research Professor
Monday, 2/5/2024 to Sunday, 3/24/2024
Canvas: Course in College Teaching - Spring 2024

Image of Deena LevyImage of Mary Ann Tobin

The Course in College Teaching (CCT) provides an opportunity for faculty, graduate students, and post-doc instructors from all disciplines to collaboratively explore successful teaching and learning. It is designed to allow participants to share ideas and strategies for successful teaching. This free, non-credit course includes discussion and practice based on information drawn from the teaching and learning literature, as well as from the teaching experiences of individual participants. The Spring 2024 CCT will be held entirely asynchronously in Canvas from February 5 through March 24.

The Spring 2024 Course in College Teaching is now full and the application is closed.

For more information, see https://www.schreyerinstitute.psu.edu/cct or contact one of the course facilitators Deena Levy at drl21@psu.edu or Mary Ann Tobin at matobin@psu.edu.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

Teach to Reach with Universal Design for Learning
Facilitated by Mary Ann Tobin, Associate Research Professor
Monday, 3/11/2024 to Sunday, 4/7/2024, Asynchronous Event
Canvas: Teach to Reach with Universal Design for Learning - Spring 2024

Image of Mary Ann Tobin

In this four-week, entirely asynchronous online course, participants draw upon their own teaching or learning design experience and their existing, basic understanding of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to generate and respond to discussions, create an instructional activity inspired by UDL, and provide feedback on their peers’ activities.

The course is open to faculty of any rank or status, teaching assistants, post-doctoral instructors, and members of the learning design community with existing teaching or learning design experience and a basic understanding of UDL.

Visit https://www.schreyerinstitute.psu.edu/teachtoreach for eligibility requirements.

To register, complete our enrollment survey at https://tinyurl.com/RegisterTTR. Participants will be notified via email approximately one week prior to the start of the course.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

How CIRTL Can Benefit Grad Students and Postdocs
Facilitated by Chas Brua, Associate Research Professor, and Rainamei Luna, Graduate Instructional Consultant
Thursday, 3/21/2024, 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Via Zoom -- registrants will receive the link before the event

Image of Chas BruaImage of Rainamei Luna

Penn State is part of the international CIRTL Network, which focuses on preparing the next generation of faculty to teach effectively. Join us for this brief overview of how CIRTL programming—both at Penn State and through the 45- university network—can help grad students and postdocs to 1) strengthen their teaching skills and 2) document their professional development through CIRTL certification.

Registration will close 1 hour before the event starts. Registrants will receive a Zoom link at least 1 hour before the event.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

Beyond content - Teaching for civic engagement and participation
Featuring Bryan Dewsbury, Associate Professor of Biology and Associate Director of STEM Transformation Institute at Florida International University
Thursday, 3/21/2024, Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Paterno Library - Foster Auditorium (E102)

Image of Bryan Dewsbury

College teaching has traditionally been viewed solely for the dispensation of subject matter expertise. While I allude to the continued importance of that function, I will focus on the underemphasized role the classrooms can play in helping students cultivate the skills that help them civically engage in a socially just world. In this session we will make the case, with evidence, as to why that matters, and suggest strategies for participants to consider in their own classrooms.

Bio: Bryan Dewsbury is an Associate Professor of Biology at Florida International University (FIU). He is the Principal Investigator of the Science Education And Society (SEAS) research program, which blends research on the social context of teaching and learning, faculty development of inclusive practices, and programming in the cultivation of equity in education. He is an Associate Director of the STEM Transformational Institute where he directs the Division of Transformative Education. He is also a Fellow with the John N. Gardner Institute where he assists institutions of higher education cultivate best practices in inclusive education. He is the creator and executive producer of the Massive Open Online Course called Inclusive Teaching. He is a co-editor of the book the Norton Guide to Equity Minded Teaching. He has led faculty development workshops in over 150 institutions across North America, Europe and Western Africa. He is also a Director at the RIOS - Racially-Just Inclusive STEM Education - Institute which conducts projects at the intersection of Open STEM and social justice. He is the host of the podcast 'Knowledge Unbound', an interview podcast where he is in conversation with individuals who do social justice and equity work in STEM education and education in general. Dewsbury grew up in Trinidad and Tobago and immigrated to the United States in 1999. He received a BS in biology from Morehouse College and an MS and PhD in biology from FIU.

This is an in-person event at the Paterno Library in Foster Auditorium (E102).

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

Schreyer Conference 2024
Featuring Sarah Rose Cavanagh, Psychologist and Educational Developer, Simmons University
Wednesday, 3/27/2024, Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Via Zoom

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The 2024 Schreyer Conference will focus on the connections between learning and emotion. Sarah Rose Cavanagh will give an interactive presentation “Energizing Learning with the Spark of Emotion” between 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. EST, followed by breakout sessions led by SITE consultants between 1:10 - 2:00 p.m. 

Cavanagh is Senior Associate Director for Teaching and Learning in the Center for Faculty Excellence at Simmons University, where she also teaches in the Psychology Department as an Associate Professor of Practice. Her research considers the interplay of emotions, motivation, learning, and quality of life. Her most recent research project, funded by the National Science Foundation, convenes a network of scholars to develop teaching practices aimed at greater effectiveness and equity in undergraduate biology education.

She is author of four books, including The Spark of Learning: Energizing the College Classroom with the Science of Emotion (2016) and Mind Over Monsters: Supporting Youth Mental Health with Compassionate Challenge (2023). She gives keynote addresses and workshops at a variety of colleges and regional conferences, blogs for Psychology Today, and writes essays for venues like Literary Hub and The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Registration will close 1 hour before the event starts. Registrant will received a Zoom link at least 1 hour before the event.

Endorsement: Inclusive and Equitable Teaching
Facilitated by Beate Brunow, Associate Research Professor
Friday, 3/29/2024 to Thursday, 5/1/2025
Canvas

This endorsement is part of the Provost Endorsement Program.

This endorsement engages experienced instructors in implementing inclusive and equitable teaching in their current or upcoming course(s).  This program assumes participants already understand the need for inclusive and equitable practices. Eligible participants must have teaching responsibilities in the current or upcoming academic year so that they can most immediately benefit from the content of the program by applying program concepts to their teaching. Participants will revise a syllabus or assignments for future use, reflect on their teaching based on student feedback and peer interactions, and consider how they might cultivate belonging in their courses.  Once participants have registered, they will be added to a Canvas course and connected with a SITE faculty consultant. Registration opens on January 15. 

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

Beyond the Basics: Practical Applications of Generative AI in STEM
Facilitated by Larkin Hood, Associate Research Professor, and Dr. Lew Ludwig, Director of the Center for Learning and Teaching; Professor of Mathematics, Denison University
Thursday, 4/4/2024, Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Via Zoom -- registrants will receive the link before the event

Image of Lew Ludwig

Since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, the educational landscape has been irrevocably transformed, presenting both challenges and opportunities to instructors. This session focuses on practical applications of generative AI tools within the STEM fields. Dr. Lew Ludwig (Director of the Center for Learning and Teaching; Professor of Mathematics, Denison University) will discuss how these technologies can customize learning experiences and enhance student engagement. Whether you are already passionate about AI or just beginning to explore its possibilities, this session will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to leverage generative AI in supporting your students' learning.

Dr. Ludwig has over two decades of experience in implementing innovative teaching methodologies and fostering inclusive learning environments. He is recognized for his innovative approach in leading over 20 workshops, webinars, and keynotes on generative AI in higher education, spanning from local to national stages. A skilled educator in mathematics, having contributed to numerous publications and projects, including the National Science Foundation-funded MAA Instructional Practices Guide Project.

Please follow this link to register: https://pennstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9M0X3YNikKXYLeC

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Learning Environment
Facilitated by Beate Brunow, Associate Research Professor
Monday, 4/8/2024, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Via Zoom -- registrants will receive the link before the event

Image of Beate Brunow

Research shows that inclusive and welcoming environments in which students can feel a sense of belonging support student success. In this session, participants will discuss strategies to cultivate students' sense of belonging and to create an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for all students.

This is a closed event customized for the requesting unit. If you are interested in a custom workshop for your unit, contact us at site@psu.edu.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

Preparing to Teach a Summer Course
Facilitated by Shannon McClellan Brooks, Graduate Instructional Consultant, and John Elia, Graduate Instructional Consultant
Wednesday, 4/17/2024, 10:10 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.
Via Zoom -- registrants will receive the link before the event

Image of Shannon McClellan BrooksImage of John Elia

Trying to fit your 15-week course into a much shorter summer session? We can help! This interactive workshop offers strategies you can use to make your summer course an impactful--and less grueling--experience for you and your students.

Registration will close 1 hour before the event starts. Registrants will receive a Zoom link at least 1 hour before the event.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

Accessible Syllabus Templates
Facilitated by Mary Ann Tobin, Associate Research Professor and Elizabeth J. Pyatt, IT Accessibility Consultant
Wednesday, 4/17/2024, Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Via Zoom -- registrants will receive the link before the event

Image of Mary Ann TobinImage of Elizabeth J. Pyatt

IT Accessibility has created a repository of accessible Word syllabus templates that you can use to quickly build an accessible syllabus. In this demonstration, participants will learn about the templates and basic accessibility techniques that can be applied to other academic or professional documents.

Registration will close 1 hour before the event starts. Registrants will receive a Zoom link at least 1 hour before the event.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

Northeastern Regional Writing Retreat
Facilitated by Laura Cruz, Research Professor, and Julie Meyer, Instructional Designer, Penn State Schuylkill
Wednesday, 5/15/2024
TBD

Image of Laura CruzImage of Julie Meyer

You are invited to join us for this all day writing about teaching retreat, held on the Schuylkill campus (but open to Penn State instructors from any campus location).

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

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