Faculty Seminar on Learning and Teaching Excellence

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 in the context of 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.     Discuss and analyze different teaching methods to improve student learning;

2.     Develop an understanding of assessing students� learning outcomes;

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

Conduct of Seminar

The Seminar will meet once a week for five weeks in a collaborative learning environment. Each segment will be facilitated by a discussion leader 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 14, 2007

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

Facilitator: Prof. Malik Tabbal, FAS

Week 2 � March 21, 2007

Student-oriented methods II (problem-based learning)

Facilitator:   Prof. Ghassan Hamadeh, FM   

        Week 3, March 28, 2007

Student-oriented methods II (projects and collaborative activities)

        Facilitator:   Prof. Mazen Saghir, FEA

Week 4, March 29, 2007

Evaluating student learning

Facilitator:    Prof. Saouma BouJaoude, FAS

        Week 5, April 11, 2007

Seminar evaluation; dinner hosted by Provost and CTL Interim Director

Facilitators:    Provost P. Heath

                       Prof. W. Nasr

                       Dr. A.BouZeineddine