Faculty study seminar opportunities available for spring 2007 Two faculty study seminars will be offered during spring 2007. The program provides a means for faculty with common interests to learn more about a teaching-related topic. Each group meets four times during a single semester, at times mutually agreed to by participants, to read and discuss a teaching-related book (books provided by the office of instructional development). The only obligation of participants is to read and to show up for discussion. Spring FSS books are as follows: * "Discussion-Based Online Teaching to Enhance Student Learning" by Tisha Bender, was written to “switch emphasis from the technical issues of online teaching to the human implications of teaching and learning by communicating through the Internet.” Bender points out that faculty have learned a lot about what “works” in the classroom. But when that classroom goes virtual, how should pedagogy shift? How can we take advantage of the opportunities presented by the Internet, rather than let the technology drive our choices of teaching strategy? Bender argues that incorporating online discussion is challenging but it can also create new and unexpected opportunities for learning – if we think differently and creatively about the work we are doing. * "Success Strategies for Adjunct Faculty" by Richard Lyons is designed to be everything-the-adjunct-needs-to-know-about-teaching in one relatively small packet. In fact, the concise but clear discussions would be useful for any new teacher – or for any experienced faculty member who serves as a mentor to less experienced teachers, providing resources, support, ideas, or simply encouragement to them. Lyon begins with an introduction to today’s students – what do they want from instructors? He talks about getting your course off to a good start on day one. He describes teacher-centered and learner-centered strategies for encouraging learning. He offers guidance on exams and other means of assessing student learning. If you read only one book about the “how to” of teaching, this could be it. To participate in a faculty study seminar, contact Jana Hollands at 777-4998 or jana_hollands@und.nodak.edu to sign up for the group of your choice. Please specify which book you want to read. Plan to also send in information about your schedule, providing as much flexibility as possible so that a first meeting can be arranged (the rest of the meeting dates will be set up when the group is first convened). -- Joan Hawthorne, Assistant Provost of Assessment, Academic Affairs, joan_hawthorne@und.nodak.edu, 777-6381