Overview

In this Seminar, faculty will discuss various approaches which could improve student learning and teaching practices; use their experiences to demonstrate and/or analyze issues relevant to teaching and learning; reflect on their teaching practices vis-�-vis topics presented; and develop teaching materials based on Seminar sessions. The Seminar sessions will be interactive and facilitated in an atmosphere of collegiality. 

Objectives

In this seminar, faculty will

1.       Discuss and analyze different teaching methods to improve student learning;

2.       Develop an understanding of student assessment;

3.       Have a forum to discuss teaching excellence with colleagues.

Conduct of Seminar

The Seminar will meet once a week for seven weeks in a collaborative learning environment. Each segment will be facilitated by discussion leaders from among our colleagues and will be attended by participants from different disciplines to provide a diversified base for discussion of Seminar topics.  Participants will review readings that will provide theory and "expert" advice; they will also share their own ideas and experiences with their colleagues, design various instructional activities and develop their strategies for assessing learning.  Using discussion, interaction, hands-on activities, and group presentations, the Seminar will build on what faculty members know as well as on an array of approaches that will serve current needs and future developments. The atmosphere is collegial and intended to encourage open exchange among AUB Faculty about approaches to teaching so that we can benefit from each others' experiences.

Resources

�        McKeachie, W. J. (1999). McKeachie�s teaching tips: Strategies, research, and theory for college and university teachers (10 ^th ed).  Boston: Houghton Mufflin Company.

�        Emerson, D. M., Johnson, R. N., Milner, S. & Plank, K.M. (1997). The Penn Sate Teacher II: Learning to Teach, Teaching to Learn. University Park, PA: Penn State University Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching.

�        Other materials will be available in due time.

Seminar outline

Week 1 - March 16, 2004

Introduction

�          Institutional profile

�          Our students' characteristics

�          The role of learning outcomes in improving the quality of student learning

Facilitator:   Prof. W. Nasr, Associate Provost

Week 2 � March 23, 2004

Teacher-oriented methods I (lecture, handling large classes)

Facilitators:      Prof. A. BouZeineddine, FAS

                      Prof. M. Tabbal, FAS

Week 3, March 30, 2004

Teacher-oriented methods II (discussions, demonstrations, lab experiences)

Facilitators:      Prof. N. Ghaddar, FEA

                             Prof. F. Mrad, FEA

Week 4, April 6, 2004

Alternative methods for assessing student learning

 Facilitators:      Prof. M. Henningsen, FAS    

                      Prof. D. Wrisley , FAS

Week 5, April 13

Student-oriented methods I (active and collaborative activities)

Facilitators:      Prof. S. BouJaoude, FAS

                      Prof. N. Hwalla, FAFS

Week 6, April 20

Student-oriented methods II (Problem-based learning)

Facilitator:       Prof. G. Watson, University of Delaware, USA

Week 7, April 27

Wrap-up session and evaluation; dinner hosted by Provost and Associate Provost

Facilitators:      Provost P. Heath

Prof. W. Nasr

Prof. S. BouJaoude

Prof. A. BouZeineddine