Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Spotlight on Teaching and Learning: Feb. 23rd Edition

The current issue of the Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning features articles on refutational teaching, community-based language instruction, procrastination during group projects, and much more.

ProfHacker suggests that a "writing contract" can help instructors avoid grading huge stacks of papers by allowing students to generate their own individual deadlines.

The Spotlight on Digital Media and Learning blog shares some potentially startling statistics on internet access in the U.S., which is increasingly important as more and more faculty members incorporate web-based technologies into their classes.

Faculty Focus makes a case for small-group exams and quizzes, which may involve collaboration before, during, or after the test itself.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Spotlight on Teaching and Learning: Feb. 14th Edition

Join the University Center for Writing-based Learning as they celebrate International Writing Centers Week (Feb. 14-18) with writing-themed events that will appeal to faculty, staff, students, and alumni.

Indiana University Bloomington and Samuel Thompson provide an interactive tutorial on the scholarship of teaching and learning, including historical information, faculty SoTL projects, and resources for further inquiry.

ProfHacker offers some helpful suggestions on establishing an online presence for professors who are increasingly incorporating social media, learning management systems, and digital portfolios into their teaching.

In an opinion piece from Inside Higher Ed, Diana Chapman Walsh surveys the field of learning scholarship and issues a call to action for a more scientific, evidence-based approach to the study of learning.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Spotlight on Teaching and Learning: Feb. 7th Edition

Faculty Focus clarifies the ways in which FERPA may or may not impact instructors' use of social media in the classroom.

This month's Teaching Carnival points to dozens of insightful articles and blog posts on a range of teaching topics, including course evaluations and the first week of class.

Derek Bruff reflects on his grading standards and arrives at some difficult questions when thinking about what to do next.

The University of Venus blog explores how something as simple as teaching barefoot on a service learning trip abroad can impact one's perspective on authority and the classroom experience.