2024 May Faculty Workshops Session Archive
Session Dates
Monday, May 13
Course Design Institute – Session 1 of 4
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m
Presenters: Mac Crite (Teaching & Learning Specialist, CTRL), Hannah Jardine (Teaching & Learning Specialist, CTRL), Shed Siliman (Teaching & Learning Specialist, CTRL) & Mary Catherine Stoumbos (Teaching & Learning Specialist, CTRL)
CTRL’s Course Design Institute (CDI) is a series of workshops and supplemental materials to support faculty and staff as they design courses and learning environments optimized for equity, engagement, and deep learning. It is meant for anyone aiming to revamp an existing course, create a completely new course, or enhance their teaching practice, whether teaching in-person, online, or in a hybrid environment. The institute will introduce you to equitable, evidence-based practices in course design and teaching while incorporating ample opportunities for collaboration, reflection, and application. By the end of the institute, you will have developed a complete course plan and additional instructional materials and ideas to implement directly into your course(s).
Using Case Studies to Assess Learning: A Discussion with Ethical Reasoning Faculty
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Presenter: Lauren Weis (Ethical Reasoning Committee Chair) & Diamond Brown (AU Core Assessment Analyst)
Join AU Core Ethical Reasoning committee members and instructors as they discuss results from piloting the use of case studies to assess student learning. As an assessment exercise, students across several Ethical Reasoning courses engaged in discussion about an ethical dilemma of a couple planning their wedding. Committee members will walk through their methodology and results from the pilot of this activity before opening the floor for group discussion. This session will aim to reflect on the efficacy of case studies as an assessment tool in Ethical Reasoning courses and beyond, and brainstorm effective implementation strategies for the future.
Forging Cross-Cultural and Global Connections With Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Presenters: Shed Siliman (Teaching & Learning Specialist, CTRL), Luis Alvarado (Director/Learning Design OGPS, Office of Digital Learning and Strategy) & Nicholas Demayo (Senior Instructional Designer OGPS, Office of Digital Learning and Strategy)
COIL, or Collaborative Online International Learning, is a form of virtual exchange that pairs instructors and students with another course usually located in other countries to work together to complete a project. In this panel discussion, our first COIL faculty will share their experiences and insights. We are excited to share the parameters and possibilities of COIL with AU’s faculty and invite them to envision incorporating COIL in their teaching.
Rethinking the Citation Machine: Practical Strategies and Conceptual Problem-areas for Acknowledging Generative AI
2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Presenters: Alison Thomas (Assistant Dean for Academic Integrity)
This session offers both practical information, strategy, and resources for citation when it comes to generative AI tools. Attention will be given both to articulating clear guidance for students, and also to advise for faculty researchers who may need to acknowledge the use of AI tools in their own work. Inevitably, the practical matters will bring us to bigger-picture conversations about how to teach citation as concept, how the practice of citation might change in light of generative AI tools and the variety of ways they’re used, and what this might mean for the future of research.
Tuesday, May 14
Course Design Institute – Session 2 of 4
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
The CTRL Course Design Institute is a series of four workshops and supplemental materials designed to support both new and experienced educators aiming to revamp an existing course, design a completely new course, or enhance their teaching practice, whether teaching in-person, online, or in a hybrid environment. By the end of the institute, you will have developed a complete course plan and additional instructional materials and ideas to implement directly into your course(s). Registration for this program indicates a commitment to attend all four workshops in the series. Read more about the course design institute and its benefits here.
AI on Campus: Pathways for Education, Careers, and Task Management (Lessons Learned from AY23-24)
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Presenters: Krisztina Domjan (AI Faculty Fellow, CTRL), Aref Zahed (Computer Science, CAS), Saagar Gupta (Center for Leadership and Community Engagement), Zhiping Zhang (Senior Instructional Designer at the Office of Digital Learning and Strategy), Caron Martinez (Senior Director, Kogod Center for Professionalism & Comms) & Jason D’Angelo (AUx Instructor & Advisor Office of Undergraduate Education and Academic Student Services)
This session focuses on (re)designing course syllabi to incorporate Community-Based Learning & Research (CBLR), a pedagogy that deepens student learning through collaboration with nonprofits and community organizations. Throughout the program, Faculty will learn how to synthesize a course’s learning outcomes to meaningful and equitable community engagement in the D.C. community. In addition, we will share the new infrastructure and transformative changes in the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement, including the introduction of leadership frameworks, for Fall of 2024.
Exploring the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning: Faculty Research, Insights, and Innovation
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Interested in engaging in research to better understand and improve your teaching methods? Join us for a panel discussion on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). SoTL describes research where instructors systematically assess and share their teaching practices. Four AU SoTL researchers will share overviews of their projects, best practices, and opportunities for institutional support. Whether you’re new to SoTL or a seasoned researcher, this panel promises insights and inspiration for enhancing teaching and learning in higher education!
Don’t Forget your Exit Ticket!: Designing Inclusive and Critical Student-Centered Pedagogy
3:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Presenter: Mariam Durrani (CTRL Inclusive Pedagogy Fellow, School of International Service)
This workshop focuses on the “exit ticket” (ET) assignment as a student-centered pedagogical exercise that builds continuity between class meetings and provides essential feedback to the professor. The ET assignment is designed to let students know that you are invested in their learning because their feedback informs teaching decisions and builds a classroom culture of respect, trust, and inclusivity. Participants will learn about the ET assignment and how to incorporate it into their undergraduate and/or graduate courses.
Wednesday, May 15
Course Design Institute – Session 3 of 4
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
The CTRL Course Design Institute is a series of four workshops and supplemental materials designed to support both new and experienced educators aiming to revamp an existing course, design a completely new course, or enhance their teaching practice, whether teaching in-person, online, or in a hybrid environment. By the end of the institute, you will have developed a complete course plan and additional instructional materials and ideas to implement directly into your course(s). Registration for this program indicates a commitment to attend all four workshops in the series. Read more about the course design institute and its benefits here.
From Theory to Action: Infusing Community-Based Learning into Your Course
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Presenters: Melanie Bullock (Director for the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement), Amanda Choutka (Senior Professorial Lecturer, Writing Studies Program, Department of Literature; Faculty Fellow for the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement) & Saagar Gupta (Associate Director for Community-Based Learning for the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement)
This session focuses on (re)designing course syllabi to incorporate Community-Based Learning & Research (CBLR), a pedagogy that deepens student learning through collaboration with nonprofits and community organizations. Throughout the program, Faculty will learn how to synthesize a course’s learning outcomes to meaningful and equitable community engagement in the D.C. community. In addition, we will share the new infrastructure and transformative changes in the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement, including the introduction of leadership frameworks, for Fall of 2024.
CANCELLED – Unleash Creativity: Supercharging Learning Experiences with Tech & Media!
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Presenters: Luis Alvarado (Director of Learning Design, OGPS) & Rachel Hudish (Senior Instructional Designer, OGPS)
This session will focus on tools and technologies that help create dynamic learning experiences that cater to diverse learning needs and preferences. By utilizing integrated Canvas tools, such as Kaltura, YellowDig, and PlayPosit, and incorporating multimedia elements, we will present a systematic and effective approach to attain pedagogical excellence. Whether you’re an educator eager to revitalize your course materials or starting from scratch, this session will provide insights and practical strategies leveraging the resources and tools available at American University.
Advancing Your Research Through External Funding: A Conversation with NIH, NSF, and Fulbright
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Presenters: Leslie J. Rissler (Directorate of Biological Sciences, National Science Foundation), Aria Crump (Director, Office of Diversity and Health Disparities, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health) & Keegan Scott (Outreach and Recruitment Officer, Fulbright Scholar Program)
In this workshop, you will learn about three distinct faculty development programs designed to advance research opportunities for early-and-mid career faculty. Following a brief overview, you will have the opportunity to participate in breakout rooms with the programs’ representatives in order to delve deeper into each program’s unique features, qualifications, and anticipated outcomes. Whether you are looking to jumpstart your research or find yourself wanting to revamp your scholarly pursuits, there are programs for you.
Thursday, May 16
Course Design Institute – Session 4 of 4
9:30am – 11:00 a.m.
The CTRL Course Design Institute is a series of four workshops and supplemental materials designed to support both new and experienced educators aiming to revamp an existing course, design a completely new course, or enhance their teaching practice, whether teaching in-person, online, or in a hybrid environment. By the end of the institute, you will have developed a complete course plan and additional instructional materials and ideas to implement directly into your course(s). Registration for this program indicates a commitment to attend all four workshops in the series. Read more about the course design institute and its benefits here.
Taguette: An Open-Source Program for Qualitative Researchers
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Presenter: Dr. Tiffany Monique Quash (Qualitative/Survey Research Methodologist, CTRL)
Have you ever wondered if there is a free and open-source program for qualitative analysis? The answer is YES! This session will introduce you to the basics of Taguette, a free and open-source program that can be used for organizing and coding qualitative data and working collaboratively with your research team.
Natural-Scientific Inquiry Faculty Survey Discussion
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Presenters: Aaron Grocholski (Natural-Scientific Inquiry Committee Chair, Department of Physics), Rebecca Hazen (Natural-Scientific Inquiry Committee Member, Department of Biology) & Diamond Brown (AU Core Assessment Analyst)
Join Natural-Scientific Inquiry committee members and Core Assessment Analyst Diamond Brown as they share strategies for interpreting and implementing feedback from the end-of-semester student learning outcome survey.
Complex Problems Seminars: Proposals and Pedagogy
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Presenters: Rebecca Comfort (Assistant Director, AU Core) & Complex Problems Faculty Director (TBD)
Join the AU Core Complex Problems (CP) team – including our new faculty director – to refresh your knowledge of the CP learning outcomes and workshop ideas for a new CP proposal or updates to an existing course.
Friday, May 17
Getting Started on the New High-Performance Computer
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Presenter: Dr. Eric R. Schuler (Sr. Quantitative/Computational Research Methodologist, CTRL)
This workshop is all about how to use the new high-performance computer. We will talk about policies, connecting, and submitting jobs that use Stata, Matlab, Python, and R.
