32nd Showcase on Teaching and Learning
Thank you for attending 32nd Showcase on Teaching and Learning! If you were unable to attend, or want to view the video of Dr. Fink’s keynote presentation, visit the FCTL website.
Dr. Fink provided us with a copy of the slides from his presentation and from the afternoon workshop. They can be found in the Academic Community under the Community tab in Blackboard.
Using Microsoft’s Built-in Styles to Make Your Documents More Accessible
The idea of making our courses more accessible can feel like an overwhelming task however, even just one small change can have a huge impact on the overall accessibility of your course. In this session, you will learn how to apply the built-in styles in Microsoft Word to create documents that are accessible and more efficient for students who use on screen reading software. You will also learn how to use the built-in accessibility checker available in Word to determine the overall accessibility of your documents and catch potential barriers ahead of time.
Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop and an electronic copy of their syllabus or other document in order to gain hands-on experience. All sessions will be in Meyer Library, Room 204.
Wednesday, August 30, 9:00–9:50 a.m.
Wednesday, August 30, 1:30– 2:20 p.m.
Tuesday, September 5, 2:00–2:50 p.m.
Thursday, September 7, 11:00–11:50 a.m.
Please register through My Learning Connection.
Common Reader Book Talks
Join Adena Young-Jones in discussions about the common reader, The Good Food Revolution: Growing Healthy Food, People, and Communities by Will Allen. The conversations will focus on the University’s public affairs mission (Ethical Leadership, Community Engagement, and Cultural Competence) and theme of Sustainability in Practice: Consensus and Consequences. All sessions will be in Meyer Library, Room 204. Attend one or all.
Part 1
Pages 1–108
Wednesday, August 30, 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Part 2
Pages 111–179
Thursday, September 28, 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Part 3
Pages 183–254
Monday, October 9, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Please register through My Learning Connection.
Upcoming MSU Faculty Write Program Retreats
Location: Meyer Library, 204 (except where noted)
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Faculty Write Program focuses on promoting faculty productivity and camaraderie through writing-based experiences such as interdisciplinary writing retreat held about twice a month, workshops, and 15-day writing challenges. Writing retreats include a light lunch, opportunities to develop a strong network of peer support and accountability, and voluntary feedback sessions. Dr. Mandy Benedict-Chambers facilitates the sessions.
Fall Retreat Dates:
- Friday, September 1 (Meyer 120)
- Thursday, September 14
- Friday, September 29
- Thursday, October 12
- Friday, October 27
- Thursday, November 9 (Meyer 120)
- Friday, December 1
- Monday-Tuesday, December 18–19
Please register through My Learning Connection.
MSU Faculty Write Program 14-Day Writing Challenge
A 14-day writing challenge begins on September 18! For more information, attend the writing retreat on September 1 or September 14, or contact Mandy Benedict-Chambers.
Diversity Mini-Workshops
Diversity Fellow, Adena Young-Jones, will lead four sessions on various diversity topics. Register for one or all. Opportunities for immediate application(s) will be discussed in an interactive forum.
Location for all sessions: Meyer Library, 204
Diversity Mini-Workshop Session 1
Critical perspectives: Exploring the educator’s identity
As an educator, have you ever considered how ‘identity’ is interwoven into your work? This session will encourage reflection on how your presence dictates your approach and receptivity with students.
Thursday, September 7, 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Friday, September 8, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Diversity Mini-Workshop Session 2
Critical perspectives: Micro-aggressions in academia
Have you ever witnessed or experienced a micro-aggression on campus? This session will examine varying levels of micro-aggressions as it corresponds with intent/impact.
Thursday, October 19, 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Friday, October 20, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Diversity Mini-Workshop Session 3
Critical perspectives: Assumptions on campus
Consider the impact of assumptions on perceptions and subsequent interactions with others. This session will allow you to converse in meaningful dialogues regarding miseducation and socialization.
Thursday, November 9, 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Friday, November 10, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Diversity Mini-Workshop Session 4
Critical perspectives: The university and social justice
Building on previous workshop discussions, contemplate your call to action for implementing socially just practices at the university. This session will prompt critical conversations regarding steps for progress.
Thursday, December 7, 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Friday, December 8, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Please register through My Learning Connection. For more information, contact the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning at 836-3059.
Diversity Stipend Opportunity
Faculty who are interested in learning about diversity in the classroom are encouraged to apply for a $250 Diversity Scholar stipend. A limited number of stipends will be available.
Interested applicants should submit a one-page application to the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning by midnight Friday, September 1. This should be a one-page letter outlining your primary goals for integrating multicultural and diverse perspectives in your teaching.
Successful applicants are expected to participate in the four Diversity Workshops facilitated by the Diversity Fellow, Adena Young-Jones. They will also be asked to write a reflective essay on how they incorporated this new knowledge into their practice sharing practical teaching tips with other faculty for creating an inclusive learning environment.
Scholar 2 Scholar Information Sessions
All session will be held in the Multicultural Resource Center. For more information, contact Adena Young-Jones.
Monday, September 18, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 26, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 15, 10:00–11:00 a.m.
What is a Learning-Centered Syllabus?
A learning-centered syllabus sets the tone for your course and helps to establish student expectations of a safe learning environment where every voice is valued and respected. Best practices and strategies outlined in this workshop will help you to leverage your syllabi as a first-point-of-contact challenging students to think about their goals for the course that can support their learning, or impede their progress in learning.
The goal of this workshop is to enable faculty to assess their current syllabi, and make appropriate modifications to better address student misconceptions and expectations, and begin the process of building a sense of community.
Thursday, September 14, 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Friday, September 15, 11:30–1:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 16, 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Friday, November, 17, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Please register through My Learning Connection.
Support for Online Course Development
The FCTL has instructional designers that are available to work with you throughout the course development process. They can assist you in using technology and creating an online or blended course that is of the same high standards as your traditional lecture-based course. For more information, email the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning or call (417) 836-3059.
For more information on any of these events and opportunities, please email the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning.