Cognitive science and instructor observations indicate that a strong sense of curiosity is the key to student engagement and developing a lifelong passion for learning. Curiosity is invaluable in igniting our enthusiasm for the work we do. It is the driving force behind all creativity – the desire to do something better, experiment, tinker, and create. How can educators encourage students to cultivate their curiosity to ultimately assume responsibility for their education? The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence is accepting proposals for Spring 2023 Faculty Development Day, where we will be “Igniting Curiosity” and reinvigorating faculty’s sense of curiosity.
Theme: Igniting Curiosity
Date: Thursday, January 5, 2022
Place: Online/Virtual
Proposal Deadline: Tuesday, November 22, 2022
Format:
- 50-minute presentation – single presenter
- 50-minute panel presentation – 2-3 presenters with a collaborative proposal
Themed tracks and possible topics include:
• Teaching Research Courses and Mentoring Students’ Research Studies or Dissertations (Sponsored by the SLU Center for Research)
° Effective Pedagogical Strategies
° Tactics to Engage and Maintain Students’ Interest in Research
° Tools of Research
• Strategies to promote curiosity in learning
° Tips for staying curious
° Connect what students do not know with what they do know
° Empower students to feel like their curiosity will pay off
° Cultivating curiosity to solve real-world problems
• Assessing student learning
° Assessments that require relevant, real-world application of content
° Formative assessments that “form” students
° Authentic assessments that require creative thinking and problem solving
° Assessments that develop students’ professional skills
° Creating rubrics in D2L
• Active learning strategies
° During lecture strategies
° Problem-solving or challenge-based strategies
° Digital Tools to support active learning
° Active reading strategies
° Writing across the disciplines
• Classroom Communities that Ignite Curiosity
° Creating a sense of belonging on the ground, online, or in hybrid classes
° Cultivating curiosity in safe learning spaces
° Inclusive learning considerations
° Strategies to foster positive, productive learning communities
• Strategies and trends teaching via Zoom
° Establishing instructor presence in Zoom
° Creating community in Zoom
° Strategies to engage students in Zoom
° Zoom tools to enhance learning
For more information on the themed tracks and to submit a proposal, visit the Faculty Development Day – Spring 2023 webpage and complete the online form.
