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Learning Lab

CSI Learning Lab 2024

Formerly known as the Effective Teaching Workshop, this fun and engaging back-to-campus training experience takes place during the week before In-Service Week, ahead of the Fall Semester.  More than thirty new and returning CSI faculty joined together on August 7th and 8th to: 

  • Explore timely topics relevant to their teaching in the Fall Semester.
  • Connect with fellow faculty members to share experiences and build valuable connections.
  • Participate in hands-on sessions.
  • Earn one continuing education credit.
  • Bill Ebener shares his magic with us!
  • We are actively learning about active learning!
  • Relax and rejuvenate.

Brief session descriptions, takeaways, and resources include:

  • Durable Skills in the Classroom: Kim Prestwich helped us to explore how to integrate durable skills into college classrooms, equipping students with tools for academic and real-world success through practical teaching strategies.  This was a fantastic conversation and a peek into how Kim has successfully framed her Humanities course to help students view their learning as building valuable skill sets.

  • Online Asynchronous Conversations: Tobie Helman and Bethany White collaborated with faculty to explore online asynchronous conversations in higher education, providing strategies to foster meaningful engagement, critical thinking, and community in virtual learning environments.

  • Student Well-Being in College: Jaime Teague and Shannon Hyde teamed up to share practical strategies for promoting student mental health and academic success, with a focus on creating supportive classroom environments and utilizing available resources.  Resources include: 

 

  • Crafting a Student-Centered Syllabus: Terina Konrad led this session exploring how to design engaging and empowering syllabi using the updated syllabus guide, with strategies and templates tailored to diverse student needs.

  • Equity-Centered Assessment/Assignment Design: Justin Vipperman focused on creating inclusive assessments and assignments that honored diverse student needs by incorporating culturally responsive strategies into teaching.

  • Unlocking the Power of Active Learning: This fun and interactive workshop focused on using active learning strategies to cultivate lifelong learners, with hands-on exploration of techniques that enhanced understanding and creativity.

  • Assignment Design Retreat: We "retreated" to the ever-interesting and collaborative ATIC HVAC and trade/industrial education labs, hosted by Mike LaPray, Mike Stalder, Ben Hamlett, and Kyle Kutz to reflect on and refine assignments, courses, and programs, with opportunities for peer feedback and guidance from a learning designer.  There was some pretty serious ice cream sundae making, helping us to reflect on the power of a well-written and clear assignment prompt.  Fun was had by all!

 In addition, new faculty specifically gathered for:

  • A panel conversation with the Deans and several returning faculty.
  • Preparation for the first day of class.
  • Exploration of key pedagogies and best teaching practices.

We would love for you to join us next year!  If you're interested in anticipating what we might experience, please view the concluded schedule.

We'd also love to know your feedback and input about future sessions!  Please let us know by using the Suggestion Box on our home page.