Assessment and Collaboration Strategies in the Online Classroom
Date: Friday, October 25
Time: 10:30 a.m.─2:00 p.m.
Location: FCTL Innovation Commons, Meyer Library Room 204
The 10:30 a.m. session will explore a variety of effective assessment techniques, feature a discussion about how to foster critical thinking, and cover the use of assessment rubrics.
The 12:30 p.m. session will focus on best practices for using a variety of collaboration tools and group activities.
A working lunch will be provided between the morning and afternoon sessions.
Please RSVP to fctl@missouristate.edu or (417) 836-3059.
Staff Excellence in Community Service Award Nominations Due Friday, October 25
Do you know a staff member who is living the Public Affairs mission through their community service? Nominations are due tomorrow for the Staff Excellence in Community Service Award. Two staff members each year are recognized for their excellence in volunteer work with charitable, nonprofit, church or similar organizations within the community. Nominate a staff member today. See nomination guidelines and application on the Public Affairs website.
Scholar Explores one of World’s Oldest Buddhist Cultures
Religious scholar Dr. Stephen Berkwitz looks beyond the monastic setting, focusing instead on Sri Lankan Buddhist history and literature to see how the Buddhist religion was expressed and practiced in the wider society. Learn more about Dr. Berkwitz’s research on the new Mind’s Eye website.
The purpose of Mind’s Eye is to highlight research and scholarly activities at Missouri State University. This new publication is available online and in print. Dr. Berkwitz’s research, along with many other research projects, can be found on the Mind’s Eye website.
Preparation for Tenure and Promotion Workshop for Faculty 1–4 Years—CHPA and LIB
Date: Monday, November 4
Time: 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Location: Strong Hall 204
This workshop will focus on the teaching, research, and service criteria that are used for tenure and promotion to various ranks and how to best prepare to meet them. Process for annual evaluation, what to expect in feedback, and how to respond optimally will be discussed. Establishment of yearly goals and documentation of progress will be emphasized.
The Ethics of Undergraduate Grade Inflation
Date: Wednesday, November 6
Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Location: Strong Hall 350
Presenter: Andrew Johnson, Department of Philosophy
The grade point average at four-year colleges and universities in the United States has risen dramatically since 1940. In 2008, almost 45% of grades awarded to students completing undergraduate courses were in the “A” range, and over 75% were “A”s or “B”s. After noting evidence that this trend is not owing to improved performance on the part of students or teachers but rather represents grade inflation, I argue that grade inflation constitutes a serious ethical problem for a number of reasons. It undermines student learning, reflects unfairness, and can lead to discrimination against instructors who do not inflate grades.
Deadline Extended for CASL Research Stipend and Faculty Fellows Applications for Funding
The Office of Citizenship and Service-Learning (CASL) has extended the deadline to Friday, November 15 for faculty to submit Research Stipend and Faculty Fellows Applications for funding. Applications for Faculty Fellows funding and applications for research stipends can be found on the CASL website.
Should you have additional questions or need additional information, please contact the CASL office at 417-836-5774.
Blackboard Spotlight: Blackboard Black Belts
So far this year, 15 members of the MSU faculty and staff have completed the series of courses offered by Computer Services and earned their Blackboard Black Belts! Congratulations to the following Black Belts:
- Kathy Adams, Nursing
- Alan Benton, Computer Services
- Brad Davidson, Computer Services
- James Drewery, History
- Tim Ewy, Computer Services
- Michael Fisher, Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning
- Gary Iman, Communication
- Jon Lee, Computer Services
- Moris Montejo, Computer Services
- Robert Potochnik, Computer Services
- Jim Sly, Psychology
- Cara Smith, Childhood Ed & Family Studies
- Andy Swearingen, Computer Services
- Kimberly White, Mathematics
- Ryan Wilson, Computer Services
See the Blackboard Blog to learn more about the useful features in Blackboard, and if you’d like to join in with the ranks of the Blackboard elite, check out all the opportunities for Blackboard training at the Blackboard at Missouri State University website, and learn how you can become a Blackboard Black Belt while you’re there!
Volunteer Opportunities
The Staff Senate Public Affairs Committee is sponsoring volunteer activities throughout the fall semester, and we would like you to participate! See the Staff Senate website for details about these opportunities, and mark your calendars with these dates and times if you plan to participate. Also, remember that all full-time staff now have a total of three personal days per year that they may use for service activities such as these (see section C. Personal Leave on p. 7 of the Fringe Benefits Summary). We hope you will join us!
CNAS Public Lecture Series
Teaching Teachers Mathematics
Date: Tuesday, October 29
Time: 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Location: Temple Hall 002
Presenter: W. James “Jim” Lewis is an Aaron Douglas professor of mathematics and Director of the Center for Science, Mathematics, and Computer Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
What mathematics should teachers know and how should they come to know these mathematics? The Mathematical Education of Teachers II argues that the mathematical knowledge needed for teaching differs from that of other professions and that teachers need mathematics courses that develop a solid understanding of the mathematics they will teach. The publication also urges greater involvement of mathematicians in teacher education. We will discuss the MET2 recommendations and report on efforts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to create mathematics courses for teachers and their work in partnership with mathematics educators to educate mathematics teachers to be able to educate K-12 students who graduate college- and career-ready.
People, Plagues and Pests: The Challenges of Containing and Controlling Exotic Species
Date: Tuesday, November 5
Time: 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Location: Temple Hall 002
Presenter: John Havel, Professor, Department of Biology
Oceans and mountain ranges have historically isolated humans and other species, allowing the development of distinct plant and animal communities and human cultures. Global travel and commerce open up avenues for spreading species and human ideas, as well as harmful pests and epidemic diseases. Exotic species from other continents are now commonplace; some are intentionally introduced, some escape, and some hitchhike with shipped goods. While most exotics fail to establish or have little effect, some species are invasive and some create economic harm. The U.S. alone spends about $100 billion a year to control exotic pests, including those in agriculture, forests, and lakes. Preventing the introduction of exotic species is certainly cheaper than controlling them after establishment, but requires regulation of human behavior. Using examples of aquatic invasive species, I will describe some smart prevention methods, as well as new approaches for control of established pests.
Faculty, Student & Staff Seminar
The Abacus: A Brief History and Workshop
Date: Monday, October 28
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Location: Cheek Hall 102
All are welcome!
Join Dr. Adam Harbaugh, assistant professor of mathematics, as he presents a brief history of this ancient but still relevant mathematical tool. You will also learn how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. You do not have to bring your own abacus. One will be loaned to you during the workshop. Just come on down!
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