Plenary
How Learning Works: Research-Based Principles for Smart Teaching
Michele DiPietro, Executive Director, Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning, Kennesaw State University; Author How Learning Works

Any conversation about effective teaching must begin with a conversation on how students learn. DiPietro and colleagues reviewed 50 years of research on learning in cognitive, motivational, and developmental psychology, as well as diversity and inclusion studies in their book, which synthesizes and organizes it into seven integrated principles. The workshop will briefly introduce the 7 principles and then focus on two of them, highlighting the importance of the students' level of development, self-awareness as learners, and the course climate on learning.
 

Teaching the First Days of Class
How we teach the first days of class affects the entire course. How do you envision the atmosphere and interactions in your course? Share your ideas for successful beginnings, meet faculty from other departments and schools, and receive useful University resource information.

Engaging Students, Engaging Minds
Wonder what you should do—or not do—to motivate students to actively engage in the learning process? With the prevailing theories of motivation in hand, participants will examine from student perspectives some of the characteristics of learning environments which influence the approaches they take to their own learning.

Facilitating Classroom Discussion
How can we foster learning through student discussion? Learn general principles and specific techniques for creating a productive class atmosphere in which students will want to join in, venture answers enter debates, and share their thoughts.

Scaling Up: Increasing Class Size without Losing the Learning
Larger student enrollments can change the scale and scope of our efforts to create a learning environment. This panel of experienced faculty will provide practical tips for promoting effective learning in larger courses.