A priority of my office this year is the development of programs strengthening institutional capacity in teaching and learning strategies that enhance first year student success. As the year begins and to further strengthen teaching and learning, I am pleased to invite you to the inaugural Dean’s Seminar in University College, to be held on Friday, September 19 at 4:00pm in the Undergraduate Academic Center Room 105.
This year’s presentation will focus on theoretical and practical applications of discussion on student engagement and success. Dr. Marian Houser, Associate Dean of the College of Fine Arts & Communication, will bring remarks to participants describing rationales for and outcomes of increasing student engagement in learning through discussion. In their work at the John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Undergraduate Education, Drs. Gardner and Betsy Barefoot have identified seven keys to student engagement in the classroom, two of which will be directly addressed* in this presentation:
1) Use of a variety of teaching methods
2) Meaningful class discussions*
3) Challenging assignments
4) Productive use of classroom time
5) Encouragement to speak up in class*
6) Encourage collaborative learning
7) Meaningful homework
Refreshments will be served following Dr. Houser’s presentation and I look forward to continuing our conversation about student success in the first year of college throughout the coming year.
