Recently, Joy Pile, Steve, and other faculty members attended a three-day writing and teaching retreat for faculty at the Mountain Top Inn in Chittenden. The retreat was organized by the CTLR and aimed to help faculty members improve their teaching and writing skills. Joy Pile, Steve, and others led a session titled Undergraduates as Researchers, brainstormed with faculty in syllabus workshops, and gave individual and small-group introductions to the course hub, Moodle, and other curricular technology.
One of the main takeaways from the event was the importance of helping students learn how to determine whether or not a source is appropriate for use in a paper. This is one of the most difficult skills to teach, but it is also one of the most important skills for student writers to learn. During the event, faculty members also learned that simply taking a deep breath before approaching a podium can help them speak more clearly during oral presentations.
Faculty members also shared some valuable advice on teaching and learning. When working with first-year seminar faculty, some in the CTLR like to share this advice: You are creating the students you want to see in your other classes. This reminds faculty members that their teaching strategies can have a long-term impact on their students' learning outcomes.
Another important lesson that emerged from the event is that both students and faculty members won't always ask for help, even if they might need it. It is often difficult for people to assess what they don't know, and this can lead to missed opportunities for learning and growth. Therefore, it is important for both students and faculty members to be proactive in seeking help and support when necessary.
Finally, when planning a class or workshop, it can be helpful to start at the end and work backward. This means asking yourself, "What do I want the students to have learned?" and then prioritizing the content accordingly. This approach can help ensure that students are getting the most important information and skills they need to succeed in the course.
Overall, the writing and teaching retreat was a valuable experience for faculty members looking to improve their teaching and writing skills. The Mountain Top Inn in Chittenden was a beautiful location for the event, and faculty members enjoyed the opportunity to network and learn from one another. With continued focus on faculty development and improvement, the CTLR hopes to help faculty members enhance their teaching and writing skills and support student success.