Weekly News and Tip, September 11, 2008

Tip - More about Discussion
Last week's Tip mentioned ways to get students talking in class. This week's Tip offers more ideas on how to keep a discussion going and how to get lots of students participating. Learn more.

Announcements - CELT and Campus Events

• Learn about ISU's course management system, its tools and features, and how to customize a homepage for your course at Introduction to WebCT GOLD, Wednesday, September 17, 10-11:30 a.m., 1230 Communications.
• Find out about new computer applications in teaching at You Tube and TeacherTube: Introduction to Video Sharing Websites, Tuesday, September 23, 9-11 a.m., 1230 Communications.
  
  Register for the CELT events above via AccessPlus > HRS Training > Continue > Courses.
  Contact us at 294-5357 or celt@iastate.edu if you have difficulty using AccessPlus.


• At What We Learned by Leading Study Abroad Programs, faculty and staff program directors will share their experiences of teaching students abroad. Wednesday, September 17, 12-1:30 p.m., Pioneer Room, Memorial Union. All are welcome.

FYI - Conference on Faculty in STEM Fields; Honors Seminars

• Iowa State University, the ISU ADVANCE Program, and the American Council on Education are hosting a conference on faculty careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields on October 10-11. "The New Norm of Faculty Flexibility: Transforming the Culture in Science and Engineering" will take place all day Friday and Saturday morning at the Iowa State Center (Scheman Building and Fisher Theater). Registration for ISU faculty, staff and students is only $75 through September 15. Participants can register through the conference Web site.
• The University Honors Program is seeking proposals for one- or two-credit seminars addressing topics of interest to Honors students. Tenure-eligible and non-tenure eligible faculty as well as advanced graduate students with teaching experience are welcome to apply. Application deadline is Monday, September 15. See details.

Weekly News and Tip, September 4, 2008

Tip - Getting Students Talking in Your Class
There is a common tendency for a class that talks to keep on talking - and for a class that doesn't to continue that behavior all through the semester. This is the ideal time to get your students in the habit of participation. Ideas on how to generate discussion in class.

Announcements - CELT Events
Register for CELT events via AccessPlus > HRS Training > Continue > Courses.
Contact us at 294-5357 or celt@iastate.edu if you have difficulty using AccessPlus.

• The first Faculty Forum of the year, Three ISU Computer Tools to Improve Your Students’ Problem-Solving Skills, will be Tuesday, September 9, 12:10-1:30 p.m., Memorial Union Campanile Room. Faculty will present three tools, created and piloted at ISU, that help students solve complex, ill-structured problems. Bring your lunch; beverages and desserts provided.
• Managing Students and Grades in WebCT GOLD will be offered Thursday, September 11, 1:10-2:40 p.m. in 1230 Communications. Learn to use the WebCT gradebook, Group Manager, and the Tracking and Reporting functions. You need to have had Introduction to WebCT GOLD or some familiarity with WebCT.

FYI - Campus Resources for Student Learning; University Museum Events

• Did you know that many academic resources on campus can help your students? One such resource, Supplemental Instruction (SI), is a free, peer-led set of study sessions for courses in chemistry, math, physics, and other fields. Learn more.
  Information on tutoring and other academic resources:
  
  • Academic Success Center > Tutoring
  • Academic Success Center > Academic Resources
• The staff at ISU's University Museums has planned a busy Fall semester of programs and events. The first of these, Tuesday Tea at the Farm House Museum, will be held Tuesdays in September, beginning September 9, at 11 a.m. in the Farm House. All events are free and open to the public. Full listing of University Museums Programs and Events.

Create a positive learning environment on day one of the semester

As an instructor, your approach on the first day is critical to creating a positive learning environment. Right from the start, your actions set the tone for the entire course. Regardless of class size, it is important to welcome the students, set clear expectations and create an environment that is conducive to learning. Engaging students in a large class, however, can present unique challenges.

Watch the following movie clips to see what works well for Dr. Corly Brooke, Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, on day one of HDFS 102, Individual and Family Life Development.

• Welcoming students
• Classroom procedures
• Reviewing syllabus and note taking
• Interactive activities
• Managing a discussion
• Handing in papers and closing class

Top 15 suggestions for the first week of class (55 KB PDF)