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CTE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES Teaching Discussion Group Prior topics have included: - critical thinking - student motivation - classroom management - methods of encouraging students to complete assigned readings Scholarship Discussion Group The members of this collaborative group provide incisive and honest feedback for a participant's draft of an articleor other work. Contributions to the group have represented a wide range of disciplines. All faculty members are welcome to participate as long as they are ready to submit at least one draft during the academic year. The CTE provides attendees with a free cafeteria lunch. Classroom Visitation Program The CTE sponsors a program that enables faculty to learn from one another by visiting colleagues' classes. According to Jenny Jellison, an active participant in the program: “As I was working toward tenure, I had gotten a lot out of observing my colleague's various teaching techniques. My teaching had been stuck in a lecture-based rut, and observing my colleagues integrating discussions and Socratic questioning into their lectures opened my eyes to new ways I could do the same. I have completely modified one of my courses due to my observations, and student feedback about these modifications was very positive. I highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity!” Mentoring Program To help new colleagues make that transition as smoothly as possible, the University provides a mentor for each first-year, full-time faculty member. Insuring that his or her role is purely formative, a CTE mentor is not in the same department as the mentee. Mentors and mentees meet for lunch or coffee on their own on a monthly basis. New Faculty Orientation Program Topics covered through the year-long program include: - professional development opportunities - student advising - faith and learning integration - administering and interpreting teaching evaluations - preparing the annual self-evaluation - the Eberly Library's electronic resources - the history of Waynesburg University - a final reflection on the first year at WU. Individual Teaching Consultation Services The CTE offers confidential consultations to faculty members who would like to improve one or more facets of their teaching. Consultations generally begin with a brainstorming session in the CTE and can include classroom visits or the discussion of a DVD recording of teaching a class. DVDing of Classes Viewing a DVD of recorded class sessions is a recognized method of helping faculty members fine-tune their teaching. To have one of your classes videotaped, submit a Media Services Request through the IT link in myConnect. Also consider asking a trusted colleague to look at the DVD and share responses to it.
The CTE sponsors trips to conferences (including the Teaching Professor Conference and the Lilly Conferences on College & University Teaching) for groups and individuals, providing full-time faculty members with partial funding for their travel expenses. Additional funding for conference attendance is available through the Professional Development Committee, although it's a good idea to submit your application during the fall semester. | |
