UWSP faculty to participate in teaching and learning summit

Nearly 200 faculty members will return early from winter break next month to participate in a two-day teaching and learning summit on Wednesday and Thursday, January 13 and 14, at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

"Changes, Challenges, and Choices " will be the title of the seminar devoted to excellence in teaching and student learning. Author and nationally known educator Stephen D. Brookfield will give the keynote address on Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the University Center Laird Room. He will discuss "Becoming a Critically Reflective Teacher," a topic explored in his most recent book.

" ’Leading-edge teaching and learning’ is a slogan we adopted two years ago to reflect our campus’s highest priorities," says Provost/Vice Chancellor Bill Meyer. "UWSP is, first and foremost, a teaching institution so it makes sense for us to host a program which emphasizes changing roles of educators and increased emphasis on student learning."

Janet Malone, professor of human development and specialist in teaching improvement, will coordinate the event. In describing the summit, she says, "We’re doing something other campuses just talk about." She was assisted in planning and coordinating the summit by a group of "hardworking and dedicated" faculty and academic staff.

"The current emphasis in the classroom is on new methods of active, cooperative learning such as class projects, small groups and case studies. We have moved away from the lecture format," she says. "In today’s classroom, we are helping students learn how to become critical thinkers."

The summit program will consist of a series of small group sessions led by UWSP faculty who are innovative in the classroom, the keynote address, a student presentation about "Teaching That Made a Difference," followed by faculty responses.

The summit program will conclude with "A Celebration of Teaching," a gathering of past winners of UWSP’s Excellence in Teaching Award, who will draw questions at random and answer the queries based upon their experiences. A reception will follow.

An educator for 30 years, Brookfield is a professor at Teachers College, Columbia University. Author of "The Skillful Teacher," and "Developing Critical Thinkers," his books have been recognized for excellence in literature and outstanding research in adult education.

During her 30-year career, Malone has served as head of the Center for the Promotion of Excellence in Teaching, as a member of the Teaching Partners Program, as a master teacher in the Teaching Improvement Program, and as a specialist and consultant in enhancing teaching skills.

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