Northern Arizona University

The NAU Teaching Seminar 2009
Creating Significant Learning Experiences for Students in Gateway Classes

Sponsored by the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies and Faculty Development Program

The NAU Teaching Seminar 2009, "Creating Significant Learning Experiences for Students in Gateway Classes," will give selected faculty the opportunity to participate in a focused examination of teaching and learning within the context of gateway classes.

2008 and 2009 Participants

Background:
The recommendations of the Task Force on the Freshman Year included (1) a recognition of the significant role that key university courses play in fostering student success in their initial years at NAU and (2) a commitment to support faculty working to enhance their teaching of these classes: "Programs are needed that better acquaint faculty with the characteristics of contemporary traditional-age college students and freshman at NAU and a range of pedagogical practices that can effectively engage freshman learners." The NAU Teaching Seminar 2009 responds to the recommendations of this Task Force.

Eligible Faculty Applicants:
Faculty who teach "gateway" classes, those classes characterized by

high aggregate enrollments of lower division students,

a concern about the percentage of students who do not achieve C or higher,

prerequisite status -- successful course-taking leads to admission into subsequent courses or programs.

Teaching Seminar 2009 Program Components:
The faculty selected for this program will

inaugurate the seminar activities at a lunch April 22, 2009;

participate in a three-day workshop, May 13-15, 2009 (guest work session leader will be Dee Fink, author of Creating Significant Learning Experiences;

undertake a classroom-based project in 2009-2010 to assess the impact of a class-specific innovation;

attend a fall semester lunch work session;

have the option of presenting project results at Seminar 2010.

Teaching Seminar 2009 Program Resources
Seminar participants will

receive $1000 stipend for Seminar 2009 participation,

have the option of receiving an additional $500 stipend if classroom-based project findings are presented during Seminar 2010,

receive and work with resource books and materials,

work in an interdisciplinary setting,

gain insights into the applicability of research-based teaching and assessment strategies,

engage in critical discussions about student learning.

 

Application process is now closed.

Contact Linda Shadiow, Director of Faculty Development at linda.shadiow@nau.edu or 523-7121 for more information.