LEARN Center

LEARN Center Workshops 2014-2015

Upcoming Workshops

UW-Whitewater's Critical Thinking Rubric

Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Time: 12:30 P.M - 1:30 P.M.

Location: University Center Room 259A

Presented by: Joan Littlefield Cook, Jolly Emrey, Linda Yu, Barbara Bren

Critical thinking skills are an essential learning outcome of most programs on our campus, but these skills can be difficult to define and even more difficult to assess. In 2013-2014, representatives from across campus developed, pilot-tested, and refined a rubric to assess critical thinking in UW-Whitewater students. Our session will provide an overview of the rubric with your students, data from pilot tests, and ideas for how to use the rubric with your students. 

What are attendees likely to learn/gain from attending your presentation (take aways)?
  1. Knowledge about the UW-Whitewater Critical Thinking rubric, including reliability and validity information
  2. Ideas for how to use the rubric with your students
  3. Preliminary data on students' CT skills, assessed using the UW-Whitewater Critical Thinking Rubric and CAT Instruments

Lunch Included

Sponsored by the LEARN Center

RSVP by Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Sign Up Here

Providing Assurance to the Higher Learning Commission

Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Time: 12:30 P.M - 1:30 P.M.

Location: University Center Room 268

Presented by: Greg Cook, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
John Stone, Dean, School of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education

This working lunch session will take a look at the draft Assurance Argument report prepared for the upcoming October 2015 visit from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). UW-Whitewater's accreditation through the HLC ensures student eligibility for federal financial aid, allows the university to compete for funding in federal grant programs, and provides assurance of academic quality to employers and other educational institutions.

Workshop facilitators Greg Cook and John Stone, campus coordinators for the HLC visit, will

  1. overview highlights and interesting findings relevant to each of HLC's five criteria;
  2. discuss the campus's response to concerns identified in the 2005-06 visit; and
  3. preview the events parts of the October visit.

A draft of the report will be made available to the campus in March, and attendees are encourage to review the document in advance of the workshop.

Lunch Included

Sponsored by the LEARN Center

RSVP by Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Sign Up Here

High Impact Practices (HIP)... and what we know about them at UW-Whitewater

Date: Monday, March, 16, 2015

Time: 12:00 P.M - 1:00 P.M.

Location: University Center Room 259A

Presented by: Matt Aschenbrener

As part of the 2012-2014 UW-Whitewater Strategic Planning and Budget Committee (SPBC) Strategic Planning Process, High Impact Practices at UW-Whitewater were reviewed. HIPs were identified by George D. Kuh (2008) High-Impact Educational Practices: What They Are, Who Has Access to Them, and Why They Matter. Data on participation in HIPs, retention and graduation rates from 2006-2012 were gathered and will be shared as part of the presentation

What are attendees likely to learn/gain from attending the presentation?

  1. Participants will be able to identify High Impact Practices (nationally) and those considered at UW-Whitewater.
  2. Participants will be able to discuss how participation is HIPs impact student retention and graduation rates.
  3. Participants will be able to discuss how HIPs at UW-Whitewater will be assessed in the future.

Lunch Included

Sponsored by the LEARN Center

RSVP by Wednesday, March 9, 2015

Sign Up Here

Strategies for Recruiting Faculty and Staff of Color

Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Time: 12:00 P.M - 1:00 P.M.

Location: University Center Room 259B

Presented by: Elizabeth Ogunsola, Richard McGregory, Ellie Schemenauer, Marijuana Sawyer-Clardy, Terry Tumbarello, Kim Hixson, and James Levy

Does this sound familiar?

  • "We can't find diverse candidates!!!"
  • "We advertise in the Chronicle and still didn't get any applicants of color!!!"
  • "There is not a pool of qualified diverse candidates with PhD's in this field."

Please join us to discuss your challenges with recruiting diverse candidates and receive strategies, tips, and resources to increase the numbers of diverse applicants for faculty and staff positions throughout the UW-Whitewater community.

What you will learn or gain from attending:

  • Strategies for diversifying the workforce that can be duplicated in each department/unit
  • Strategies for developing vita banks with a department/unit
  • Strategies for "growing your own" faculty and staff from within

Lunch Included

Sponsored by the LEARN Center

RSVP by Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Sign Up Here

Advising Students: Strategies and tips to assist you in the advising role

Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Time: 12:00 P.M - 1:00 P.M.

Location: University Center Room 261

Presented by: Sarah Seitz, Senior Academic Adviser
Kristine Yesbeck, Senior Academic Adviser
Academic Advising & Exploration Center

Description:

Are you confused when trying to explain general education requirements to you advisees? Do you feel lost when attempting to navigate an Academic Advisement Report? During this LEARN Center Workshop, two academic advisors will walk you through a typical advising appointment highlighting not only the AAR, but also further explain WINS and other commonly used resources. This supplemental training will help enhance your knowledge of advising, better assist you in understanding the GenEd requirements, and ultimately provide you with the tools to better support students. There will be plenty of time for questions!

What participants will gain:

  • A better understanding of how to interpret the Academic Advisement Report (AAR) and be able to comprehend the general education requirements.
  • A better understanding of how to use the "Student Center" in WINS and understand commonly used areas/links.
  • A better understanding of helpful advising resources such as UW-W websites, course catalog, 4-year planning guides, schedule of classes, etc.

Lunch Included

Sponsored by the LEARN Center

RSVP by Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Sign Up Here

H-Option Project Guidelines for Faculty and Honors Students

Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Time: 12:30 P.M - 1:30 P.M.

Location: University Center Room 261

Presented by: Elizabeth Kim, Director of the University Honors Program
Nicholas Walker, UHP's Student Intern

Description:

In response to faculty and student queries about Honors-Option projects, the Honors Council has drafted H-Option Project Guidelines for 100, 200, 300, and 400-level courses. Please come and learn what the new proposed guidelines are. Share your ideas about best practices related to H-option projects.

What are attendees likely to learn/gain from attending this presentation?

  • What are the proposed H-Option Guidelines?
  • Best practices related to H-Option projects.
  • Examples of high-impact, enrichment H-Option projects.

Lunch Included

Sponsored by the LEARN Center

RSVP by Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Sign Up Here

It Takes a Campus... A Conversation on the Proposed New General Education Learning Outcomes

Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Time: 12:30 P.M - 1:30 P.M.

Location: University Center Room 259B

Presented by: Barbara Bren and Beth Olson representing the General Education Review Committee, Liz Hachten, General Education Coordinator

Description:

For the first time in over 25 years, the General Education Review Committee is proposing revised Gen Ed Learning Outcomes (GELOs) that are designed to align with the university’s baccalaureate (LEAP) ELOs while identifying the foundational learning that our students need for success in the 21st century. Faculty and staff are invited to this interactive session to offer feedback on the proposed GELOs and help refine our shared vision for the Gen Ed program.

Remember, General Education belongs to us all! It takes a campus...

From this presentation you will learn:

  • Specifics about the proposed new Gen Ed Learning Outcomes
  • How the proposed outcomes align with the LEAP ELOs
  • Ideas for enhancing our shared campus vision for the General Education program

Lunch Included

Sponsored by the LEARN Center

RSVP by Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Sign Up Here

Listening to the Community: Using service Learning to Help Enhance Community Based Orgnaizations

Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Time: 12:30 P.M - 2:00 P.M.

Location: University Center Room 2666

Presented by: Angelique Harris, Ph. D. (Assistant Professor of Sociology - Marquette University)

Description:

Dr. Harris intermediate-level course sociology course “Culture, Health and Illness” has worked with community partners around issues of obesity and HIV. She is the author of AIDS, Sexuality, and the Black Church: Making the Wounded Whole.

Lunch Included

Sponsored by the LEARN Center

RSVP by Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Sign Up Here

Setting and Communicating Effective Classroom Expectations

Date: Tuesday, November 25th

Time: 12:30 - 1:30 P.M.

Location: University Center Room 259B

Presented by: Mary Beth Mackin, Dean of Students

Description:

Today’s college classrooms seem fraught with behavioral issues and disruptive conduct that detract from the learning experience. In this session we will explore proactive strategies for developing and implementing classroom expectations that set the stage for a positive semester. We’ll share thoughts about what policies are appropriate and effective and will discuss ways to present these expectations to our students.

Take Aways:

  • Identification of appropriate expectations that facilitate an effective learning environment, along with a discussion of what faculty members have found to work
  • Effective ways to present expectations to students, including clear syllabus statements
  • Methods for gaining student support of shared classroom expectations

Sponsored by the LEARN Center

RSVP by Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Sign Up Here

Sharing Our Vision for the University Honors Program

Date: Tuesday, November 18th

Time: 12:30 - 1:30 P.M.

Location: University Center Room 259B

Presented by: Elizabeth Kim, Director of the University Honors Program, and Nicholas Walker, University Honors Program Intern

Description:

During the University Honors Program’s first year under a new director, the UHP is assessing its mission and role on our campus. Faculty, staff, and students are invited to share their vision for the Honors Program.

 

  • What aspects of the program have been effective? 
  • What aspects of the program should be revised or strengthened?  
  • How might faculty and staff help to support the UHP?

 

A robust University Honors Program translates into a robust academic community overall. Come and share your ideas.  Learn about the best practices of Honors programs at other universities.

 

From this presentation you will learn:

  • A better understanding of the current University Honors Program (UHP): its strengths and challenges..
  • Ideas for strengthening the UHP generated by participants and modeled by Honors Programs at other universities.
  • How faculty, staff, and students can get involved to strengthen the UHP.

Sponsored by the LEARN Center

RSVP by Wednesday, November 11, 2014

Sign Up Here

Veterans and Higher Education

Date: Thursday, November 13th

Time: 12:00 - 1:00 P.M.

Location: University Center Room 266

Presented by: Officer Mike Sacco & Student Veterans

Description:

Officer Mike Sacco served in the Army as a Combat Signaler in Alaska for 3 years before working as a Police Officer for the City of Kenosha and UW-Parkside. Mike will share his 20 years of experience here at UW-Whitewater as a Police Officer and his role in Care Team and Student Conduct.

 

From this presentation you will learn:

  • about military student perspectives in the classroom
  • Attendees will learn the resources on campus and how to encourage students to use them
  • Attendees will learn how to connect to students and make the campus environment military-friendly

Sponsored by the LEARN Center

RSVP by Wednesday, November 6, 2014

Sign Up Here

It Takes a Community to Build a Book: Student Collaboration in Coming of Age in El Salvador

Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Location: University Center Room 259A

Presented by: Jim Winship and a panel of students/ex-students, Chris Greenwood, Julie Esthenser, Ann Ricca, and RaeAnne Scargall

Lunch Included

Description:

In setting out to write, self-publish, and promote the book Coming of Age in El Salvador, Professor Jim Winship was able to utilize the involvement and talents of a class of students and students in paid internships and as independent contractors. In this workshop, the presenters will talk about what they did and learned, and the potential application to other faculty members interested in self-publishing.

 

From this presentation you will learn:

  • Information about the value of student engagement in faculty projects—for both parties involved.
  • Tips on the process of writing, editing, and promoting a self-published book

Merging Active Learning and Technology in the Classroom

Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Time: 12:30p.m.

Location: University Center Room 259B

Presented by: Elizabeth Simpson

Lunch Included

Description:

In 1987 Chickering and Gamson wrote that “learning is not a spectator sport,” and in 2014 their words are still accurate. Active learning involves students in the learning process, leading to better retention and student outcomes. This workshop will explore a variety of approaches to active learning, applicable to both face-to-face and online learning environments. Key points addressed will be teaching strategies, authentic assessments, collaborative work, discussions, blogs, wikis, clickers, and synchronous meetings.

 

From this presentation you will learn:

  • Practical & pedagogically sound techniques to engage students
  • Technology tools to facilitate active learning in the classroom, whether it is face-to-face or online
  • Hands-on practice with technology tools

Sign Up Here

Sponsored by the LEARN Center

RSVP by Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Flipping Out for Information Literacy: Mix and Match Modules

Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Time: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Location: University Center Room 259B

Presented by: Amanda Howell, Ellen Latorraca, Diana Shull, & Martha Stephenson

Lunch Included

Description:

In this workshop, Andersen Library Reference & Instruction librarians will share information about some online information literacy tutorial modules with built in assessments we have designed with the goal of strengthening UW-W students’ information literacy skills. Come and find out what is available for you to integrate into your face-to-face and online instruction, everything from skills and concepts essential for English 102 students’ progress to those needed for 400-level course work.

 

What will you learn from this workshop?

  • Participants will learn about online information literacy tutorial modules created by the library, with themes such as identifying scholarly sources, avoiding plagiarism, and beyond
  • Participants will learn how built-in information literacy tutorial assessments streamline workflow
  • Participants will learn how these tutorials strengthen student information literacy skills, which are an element of LEAP Essential Learning Outcomes
  • Participants will learn how specific modules can be embedded in an existing class

RSVP by Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Sign Up Here

Sponsored by the LEARN Center

A Tool Kit for Managing Disruptive Classroom Behaviors

Date: Thursday, September 18th, 2014

Time: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Location: University Center Room 275

Facilitated by: Mary Beth Mackin, Dean of Students

Lunch Included

Description:

Unfortunately, troubling students are a part of today's college classroom. They arrive late, come unprepared, challenge your authority, cause anxiety and disrupt class.

 

In this session we will explore the challenges we face with these students and learn about both the immediate and long-term steps we can take to get the disruptive student back on track, maintain the learning environment for other students and protect ourselves.

 

From this session you will gain:

  • An understanding of the types of disruptive or troubling behaviors that are occurring as well as the university rules, guidelines and resources that apply.
  • Immediate and long-term strategies for stopping and dealing with inappropriate behaviors.
  • An understanding of faculty rights related to student behavior.

RSVP by Thursday, September 11, 2014

Sign Up Here

Sponsored by the LEARN Center

Flipped Engagement

Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Location: University Center Room 259

Attendees Must Reserve a Spot: *See Below

Presenter:

Dr. Marian Houser is the Associate Dean of Faculty Development and Research for the College of Fine Arts and Communication at Texas State University and is a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies. Dr. Houser has developed a national reputation as an expert in the field of instructional communication, with a special emphasis on student learning and the student-teacher relationship. She also currently serves as editor of Communication Teacher, and has created and published scales in Learner Empowerment, Learning Indicators, and Classroom Engagement and these instruments are used throughout the communication, education, and psychology disciplines. Her work has been featured in Men’s Health Magazine and Psychology Today.

Description

A common frustration of instructors across the country is the never-ending challenge to get students to care about what they are learning (or at least what we are trying to teach them). Despite our best efforts, there just seem to be some students who remain disinterested or bored with course content. Albert Einstein is noted as saying, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” Thus, in an effort to keep our wits about us, it seems like the time to take a fresh approach to this problem.

This presentation works to do just that. So, regardless of whether you are fairly new in the classroom or a “seasoned veteran” there is something for everyone to take away. Together, participants will acquire a variety of strategies to change the dynamics in their classrooms in ways that work best for them.

 

Part I: 1:00pm - 2:15pm

Part I tackles issues related to student engagement, with the focus on three areas: (1) what do faculty associate with student engagement? (2) what does engagement look like for “today’s” student? and (3) how do we get students to care about their own engagement with course content?

 

Part II: 2:30pm - 3:45pm

Part II shifts the focus to instructors. Here the emphasis is on: (1) determining what our role is in engaging students, (2) dealing with issues of ethics, teaching standards, and sanity when working towards student engagement, (3) learning new approaches to engage today’s students, and (4) working to maintain “your teaching voice” in the midst of it all.

 

Lunch is at 12:15pm for session attendees only

 

RSVP by Monday, August 18th, 2014

* To reserve a spot for lunch and the workshop, please contact the LEARN Center 262.472.5242 or learn@uww.edu. Register online at: http://signup.uww.edu using your Net-ID The workshop is listed under “LEARN Center.”

Sponsored by the LEARN Center

Student Success: Just Do Right

Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Location: University Center Room 275

Description:

9:00-9:30: Meet & Greet & Refreshments

9:30-12:15: Welcome by Provost Kopper Introduction of New Faculty & Staff - Break

Break-out Sessions: engage in conversation with your colleagues and students about student success, and share your ideas for helping our university “just do right”:

 

  • Everything you’ve always wanted to know about our students but were afraid to ask…
  • Collaborating across disciplines for student engagement.
  • Once They’ve Left the Mothership: Towards an Evaluation of the Success of Our Graduates.
  • Career & Leadership staff and students talk about the fruits of involvement.
  • Center for Students with Disabilities staff and students discuss thriving vs. surviving.

Sponsored by the LEARN Center