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, facilitated in an atmosphere of collegiality. 

Learning Outcomes

In this seminar, faculty will

1-     Develop course objectives and learning outcomes

2-     Develop a course syllabus;

3-     Discuss and analyze different teaching methods to improve student learning;

4-     Develop an understanding of assessing students� learning outcomes;

5-     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 outcomes.  Using discussion, interaction, hands-on activities, and grouppresentations, 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

Available on Reserve Shelf at Jafet Library:

�     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.

Seminar outline

Week 1 � March 9, 2006

Introduction

�       Institutional profile

�       Our students' and faculty characteristics

�       Introduction to Seminar

Facilitators:  Provost P. Heath  

                   Prof. W. Nasr           

Week 2 � March 16, 2006 

Using course learning outcomes to develop a course syllabus

Facilitators:        Prof. M. Henningsen, FAS

                                Prof.   T. Arayssi, FM

Week 3 � March 23, 2006

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

Facilitators:        Prof. M. Saghir, FEA                         

                         Prof. R. Talhouk, FAS

Week 4, March 30, 2006

Student-oriented methods I (projects and collaborative activities)

Facilitators:        Prof. S. BouJaoude, FAS

                         Prof. R. Zurayk, FAFS

Week 5, April 6, 2006

Student-oriented methods II (case studies, problem-solving, student presentations/seminars).

Facilitators:        Prof. H. Abdallah, OSB

  Prof. G. Hamadeh, FM

Week 6, April 13, 2006

Evaluating student learning:

�       Assessment of students� learning outcomes

�       Course grading

Facilitators:        Prof. N. Ghaddar, FEA

                         Prof. M. Jurdak, FAS

Week 7, Thursday, April 20, 2006

Wrap-up session and evaluation; dinner hosted by Provost and CTL Director

Facilitators:        Provost P. Heath

  Prof. W. Nasr

  Dr. A.BouZeineddine