:: Miami University Middletown :: Center for Teaching and Learning

2011-2012

Why U?: The Relevance of the University Today

The beginning of the 2011 academic year invites the continuing conversation about the purpose of a university education for citizens of the twenty-first century. Every year, more and more students enroll in our classes and programs, hoping a college education will bring them financial success. Traditionally, a college education does translate into greater earning power, it’s true; but what other reasons are there for students and teachers alike to become part of a university community?

This year, the Center for Teaching & Learning examines the relevance of the university for today’s students and teachers, and considers what skill sets complement the curriculum of a university education to meet the needs of twenty-first century learners. Our focus is two-fold: on the one hand, a college-educated citizen must be competent in using twenty-first century tools to communicate, collaborate and create. During 2011-12, the CTL will focus on supporting faculty and students in experimenting with new technologies and digital-media production, both in and out of the classroom, so that we become more competent communicators and researchers in today’s fast-paced, media-saturated world. On the other hand, it’s important that we don’t lose sight of our humanity. Twenty-first century learning and teaching includes how the learner contextualizes himself or herself within the cacophony of modern life. CTL Conversations this year will address how students and faculty can develop inner resources to more fully engage with one another and the learning process.

October

Thursday October 6

How do we help students develop the competencies they need for 21st-century life and work? Do you have assignments that you use to help students do this, but sometimes you don't see the development of skills that you are trying to support? Or are you thinking of a new assignment and would like some feedback on constructing the assignment to encourage student success? Come to the first CTL Conversation of the year, where we'll discuss how elements of "backward design" can help you get better responses to your assignments. Bring an assignment, or the idea for a new assignment, and join the conversation! Lunch will be provided to the first 20 participants.

Are you frustrated by teaching to the middle of the class? Do you worry about the students who could achieve mastery of your content if only the coursework could be slowed down? How about the students that are turned off by your classroom because they have progressed beyond their classmates? Do you like the idea of an inverted classroom, but don't know how it would work? Would you like to provide content for your students to access on their own time but think it is too much work to create?

Come see how the Khan Academy is changing the classroom. Discuss with your fellow teachers how we might use some of these insights to be more effective on the Regionals. Share with others examples of how you are incorporating technology, the inverted classroom, and self-paced learning in your own teaching.

We'll show what's available in our campus labs, share a variety of tutorials, and help you get students started with the video-editing software. There will also be interesting tips, tricks, and hints provided.

Have students approached you with questions about how the University works? Do they ask you about financial aid or DARS ? Have you wondered what University resources such as tutoring, child care, or health insurance are available to help struggling students ? Join our conversation between teachers, students, and staff as we discuss students' needs, access, and knowledge of available University resources. We all need to learn how to better navigate the institution of higher education. Lunch will be provided to the first 20 participants

In this T@MUM session we will learn how to conduct "virtual" cross-campus meetings using IVDL , Elluminate, Cisco Meeting Place and other web-based options. Please join us for hot tea and cookies

The CTL will host a special with the CARE Team at Miami University Middletown. The CARE Team has a specific role in crisis management situations, particularly issues which may impact campus safety. The CARE Team will take questions from faculty and staff, discuss the new "student of concern management system" which allows faculty to refer students with suspected mental health concerns, and introduce the mental health and counseling services available for our students.

Do you want to turn your classroom upside down? Join the CTL to hear how three MUM faculty members have done just that!

"It's almost certainly the case that lectures have been ineffective for centuries. But now we've figured out a better way to teach' that makes students an active participant in the process, Wieman says. Cognitive scientists have found that 'learning only happens when you have this intense engagement,' he adds. 'It seems to be a property of the human brain.' " – Jeffrey Mervis, A Better Way to Teach?

Want more than just a one hour CTL session on the inverted classroom? A group of faculty who want to continue the discussion about how and why to invest your classroom, or want to work with others to improve their already inverted technique will begin meeting at MUM. Contact the CTL if you want to join us.

Conversation: Good Citizenship at the U: Balancing Academic Responsibility and Academic Freedom JHN 142 12:30-1:30pm

What are the basic cooperative expectations and responsibilities of a Miami University faculty member ? Do they ever conflict with academic or personal freedom ? How can we help each other meet the needs of our students and colleagues ? Help us build a shared vision of campus citizenship. Lunch will be provided to the first 20 participants by No. 2 Son's.

Miami University Middletown has been involved with online and hybrid learning for approximately twelve years and currently serves over 1500 students using this delivery method. In fall semester 2012, BTE will become the first MUM program to offer degrees entirely online. Join the CTL for the first Conversation of 2012 on Wednesday, February 1, at noon to discuss the increasing number of e-learning opportunities at Miami Middletown. Janet Hurn, our Interim Coordinator of E-Learning, will respond to our questions, concerns and ideas about online, distance and hybrid learning. Please access the following short CLICK HERE: Survey to help shape the conversation by sharing your thoughts on e-learning and Miami Regionals.

Have you ever had an English Language Learner (ELL) in your class or office? Do you have questions about how to support these students? Do you need some myths debunked and questions answered? Please join this interactive session to learn more about the ELL population on the Miami Regional campuses and to acquire the information you need to support your interactions with the ELL students you meet each semester.

We'll be discussing our digital-pedagogy tool round-up and various ways to use digital tools.