ISU CELT News & Tips

Weekly News and Tip, May 1, 2008

2008-05-01T12:16:00.005-05:00

News - Steve Mickelson Named CELT Director
Steven Mickelson, Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, will become the new Director of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching and Co-Director of Learning Communities. This appointment will begin June 1. Welcome, Steve!

Tip - Hundreds of Sample Syllabi for University Courses

As you work on your course syllabus for this summer or next fall, keep in mind the range of sample syllabi that you can consult online. For example, the Miller Center's Syllabus Webpage includes syllabi for courses in political history, international relations, and American Political Development.
Some sample syllabi in philosophy.
Interesting sample syllabi on the history of physics.
And the granddaddy of them all, the World Lecture Hall, with copious examples from many disciplines.

Announcements - EDUCAUSE Webinar

A one-hour EDUCAUSE Webinar, “Metacognition and Monitoring: Understanding and Improving Students' Skills for Learning,” will be presented Monday, May 5, at noon in 206 Durham (no registration required). Metacognition - thinking about one’s thinking and reflecting on one’s learning - is essential to both teaching content and helping students learn. Marsha Lovett, associate research professor of psychology at Carnegie Mellon University, will discuss recent research on teaching metacognition, including a Carnegie-Mellon program which integrates metacognition in first-year science courses. For more information on "Metacognition and Monitoring: Understanding and Improving Students' Skills for Learning".

FYI - Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Update; Last Call for Learning Communities Institute

CELT’s list of journals which publish scholarship related to teaching and learning has been updated. Many thanks to Andrea Dinkelman, assistant professor, Parks Library and Steven Freeman, assistant director, CELT, for maintaining this list.

Don’t forget to register for the 10th Annual Learning Communities Institute, Monday, May 12, at the Scheman Building. You may attend all or part of the day. Please encourage your colleagues to join us. View the program for this year's Institute.
Register now for Learning Communities Institute, but hurry; registration closes tomorrow (Friday, May 2) at midnight.

Weekly News and Tip, April 24, 2008

2008-04-24T10:53:00.010-05:00

Tip - Creating Effective Multiple-Choice Exams
It’s great to create rigorous, useful assessment exams for your students, but can you do this in large courses where machine-scored tests are a necessity? In a word, yes! There are many resources available to help you design effective and pedagogically sound multiple-choice exams. Introduction to Test Writing Tips.
Ideas on when and how to use multiple-choice tests.
Suggestions on ways to use Bloom’s Taxonomy in creating multiple-choice exams.

Announcements - CELT Programming
Register for CELT events via AccessPlus (go to the Employee tab, then to HRS Training > Continue > Courses).

Join us for the final Learning Technologies workshop of the semester. WebCT GOLD: Managing Students and Grades will be tomorrow, Friday, April 25, from 9-10:30 a.m. in 1230 Communications.
Hear from faculty involved in the scholarship of teaching and learning at the next installment of the SoTL Institute: Outcomes and Updates, Wednesday, April 30, 12:10-1:30 p.m., 2030 Morrill. All are welcome, but please register so that we can plan for refreshments.

Special Announcement - Please Promote Student Survey

This spring, a random sample of 2,500 ISU freshmen and 2,500 seniors were invited to participate in the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). Understanding student engagement will help us improve our programs, services, and learning efforts. Please encourage any students who received an email invitation to participate in the NSSE survey and have not yet responded, to please do so today!
More information about NSSE.

FYI - Last Week for Morrill Act Display; Session on P&S Retention Grants

There are only a few days left to view The Morrill Act of 1862 at the Christian Petersen Art Museum. Today from 7-7:30 p.m. in 2019 Morrill there will be a screening of the film Democracy’s College, about ISU as a land grant institution. Museum doors open at 6. On Sunday, April 27, at 2 p.m. all are invited to play Sesquicentennial Jeopardy at the Christian Petersen Art Museum. Don’t worry -answering in the form of a question is not required! Doors open at 1 p.m.
An Open Forum sponsored by the Professional & Scientific Council will showcase projects that received 2007-08 Retention & Recruitment Grants. A poster session begins at 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 2, in the Hixson-Lied Student Success Center classroom facilities. A panel discussion, "Retention Through Innovation and Collaboration," will begin at 12:10 p.m. and include John H. Schuh, Professor, ELPS; Mary Jo Gonzales, Associate Dean of Students and Director, Academic Success Center; and Tom Brumm, Associate Professor, ABE. Light refreshments and door prizes. Questions? Contact Marie Mayer, 4-2787.

Weekly News and Tip, April 17, 2008

2008-04-18T08:59:00.003-05:00

Tip - Make Use of the CELT Library
CELT invites you to browse the CELT Library in 3015 Morrill Hall. We have added several new titles to the library recently, including videos from NACADA, the National ACademic ADvising Association; books such as Research and Practice of Active Learning in Engineering Education and How to Talk About Hot Topics on Campus; and more. We also have teaching-related films such as Finding Forrester that, like our other materials, can be checked out for two weeks. Take a look at our holdings via the online database, and read more about the CELT Library.

Announcements - CELT Programming
Register for CELT events via AccessPlus (go to the Employee tab, then to HRS Training > Continue > Courses).

Your Fall ’08 Syllabus, tomorrow, April 18,12:10-1:30 p.m., 2030 Morrill. Plan now for a successful next semester.
Two WebCT GOLD workshops are coming up, both in 1230 Communications: Communication Tools and Strategies, Monday, April 21, 9-10:30 a.m., and Managing Students and Grades, Friday, April 25, 9-10:30 a.m.
SoTL Institute: Outcomes and Updates, Wednesday, April 23, 12:10-1:30 p.m., 2030 Morrill. Come hear about faculty work in the scholarship of teaching and learning.; all welcome, but please register.

FYI - Creativity; Social Networking; NACADA Conference

Creativity Outcome Center meeting, April 22, 12-1 p.m. in 1121 HNSB. All are welcome. We plan to continue sharing resources for helping students learn creativity, working toward better defining and assessing this ability.
"A Face(book) in The Crowd: Online Social Networks for Engaged Learning," Gerry McKiernan, Associate Professor, Parks Library, April 23, 3:15-4:30, 192 Parks Library. Pre-register for A Face(book) in The Crowd.
Faculty, Staff, and students are welcome. Questions? Contact Jody A. Graden, 294-6117.
NACADA, the National ACademic ADvising Association, will hold its Regional Conference in Ames, May 18-20. Events include six pre-conference workshops Sunday, May 18,1-5 p.m., conference sessions Monday and Tuesday , and a post-conference seminar, “Mental Health Issues and Academic Advising,” Tuesday, May 20, 1-4:30 p.m. Register online by April 27 to receive early-bird discount. Questions?

Weekly News and Tip, April 10, 2008

2008-04-10T17:40:00.004-05:00

Tip - Using ELMO Wisely
Many classrooms on campus are equipped with an ELMO, or electronic document camera, that works like an overhead projector but shows three-dimensional items and color. Several resources on the Web outline how to use this equipment for optimal results. For an introduction and overview, see Basics about Document Cameras.
Also providing basic information with a friendly tone is the aptly-named Tickling the Elmo.
Slightly more technical Document Camera Tips and Guidelines are available.

Announcements - CELT Programming
Register for CELT events via AccessPlus (go to the Employee tab, then to HRS Training > Continue > Courses).

Teaching & Learning and Social Networking Technology, today, 1:10-2:30 p.m., 1230 Communications.
eDoc Electronic Portfolio System, Tuesday, April 15, 1:10-2 p.m., 1230 Communications. See how eDoc can help students store, build upon, and comment on their learning.
Teaching and Learning in a MUVE (Second Life), Thursday, April 17, 1:10-3 p.m., 1230 Communications. Interested in what SecondLife is all about? ISU faculty are already using this software, which offers the possibility of new ways to teach and learn.
Your Fall ’08 Syllabus, Friday, April 18,12:10-1:30 p.m., 2030 Morrill. Plan now for a successful next semester.

FYI - Register for the Learning Communities Institute; Library Workshop Planned

The 10th Annual Learning Communities Institute is coming up Monday, May 12, at the Scheman Building. You may attend all or part of the day. Please encourage your colleagues to join us. View the program for this year's Institute.
Register for The 10th Annual Learning Communities Institute.

"Getting Your Grant! Using the Foundation Center's Resources to Write Award-Winning Grant Proposals" will be presented byJan Fryer, Assistant Professor, Parks Library, and Rebecca Jackson, Associate Professor, Parks Library, Wednesday, April 16, 3:15-4:30 p.m., 192 Parks. Parks Library participates in the Foundation Center's Cooperating Collections program, giving you access to databases containing detailed information about grant makers and grants. Faculty, staff, and students welcome. Pre-register for Getting Your Grant!

Weekly News and Tip, April 3, 2008

2008-04-03T20:17:00.005-05:00

Tip - Effective Use of Classroom “Clickers”
If you are thinking of ordering personal response system units, or “clickers,” for your class next fall, be sure to attend the upcoming CELT session, Using TurningPoint Clickers to Engage Students in the Classroom, Thursday, April 24, from 12-1 p.m. in 1230 Communications.

In the meantime, check out these useful sites on using clickers effectively in teaching:

For an overview, see Personal Response Systems (“Clickers”) .
From York University, Canada, see What Are the Challenges in Using Clickers Well?
And, CELT’s own set of suggestions is the top Google hit for “clickers” plus "teaching tips"! See “Clicker” Tips from ISU Faculty.

Announcements - CELT Programming
Register for CELT events via AccessPlus (go to the Employee tab, then to HRS Training > Continue > Courses).

YouTube and TeacherTube: Introduction to Video Sharing Websites, Tuesday, April 8, 9-11 a.m., 1230 Communications. At video sharing websites like TeacherTube, users can upload, view, share, and comment on video clips. Learn about the educational and community-building potential of this new software as well as the technical process of getting your videos online.
WebCT GOLD: Managing Course Content, Tuesday, April 8, 2:10-3:40 p.m., 1230 Communications. Effective presentation of course material is critical in an online or blended learning environment. In this hands-on session, participants will review methods of converting existing course materials for online delivery and organizing them into a Learning Module.
Teaching Creativity, a panel discussion, Tuesday, April 8, 3:30-5 p.m., Memorial Union Gallery. This panel discussion will explore whether and how creativity can be taught in university settings. What is creativity and how can we encourage it? Does it take a creative teacher – or subject matter – for students to learn to be creative? Refreshments provided.
Teaching & Learning and Social Networking Technology, Thursday, April 10, 1:10-2:30 p.m., 1230 Communications. What do Facebook, MySpace, Second Life, social bookmarking, and wikis have to do with teaching and learning? What are the connections between technological change and social change and what are the implications?

FYI - CELT’s Prestigious Neighbor, the Morrill Act, Is on Display

University Museums presents the Morrill Act of July 2, 1862, signed by President Abraham Lincoln, March 22- April 27, at the Christian Petersen Art Museum in Morrill Hall. The hours of the exhibition are M-F 9 a.m.-4 p.m., weekends 1-4 p.m., and Saturday, April 12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. To arrange a tour, contact the education assistant at ajhall@iastate.edu or 4-4442.
Related presentations at the Christian Petersen Art Museum include The Early Years at Iowa State with Tanya Zanish-Belcher, Associate Professor, Parks Library, today, April 3, at 7 p.m., and Why Iowa? with Dorothy Schwieder, Emeritus Professor, History, Sunday, April 6, at 2 p.m.

Weekly News and Tip, March 27, 2008

2008-03-27T12:22:00.006-05:00

Tip - Podcasts and Pedagogy = “Podagogy”
You have probably heard about podcasts and how some professors are exploring their use in teaching and learning. To learn more and see some examples of “podagogy,” see iPod in the Classroom and Podagogy: Where Podcasting Meets Teaching & Learning.

Announcements - CELT Programming

What’s New in PowerPoint 2007: Learn the Basics for Classroom Teaching (WindowsXP/Office 2007), Thursday, April 3, 1:10-3 p.m., 1230 Communications Building
YouTube and TeacherTube: Introduction to Video Sharing Websites, Tuesday, April 8, 9-11 a.m., 1230 Communications Building
Teaching Creativity, a panel discussion, Tuesday, April 8, 3:30-5 p.m., Memorial Union Gallery

FYI - Parks Library seminar; Emerging Technologies conference

Jeff Kushkowski, Associate Professor, Parks Library, presents Get X-cited About Cited References in the Social Sciences & Humanities, Wednesday, April 2, 3:15-4:30 p.m. in 192 Parks Library. This seminar will inform faculty and researchers on new strategies and techniques for validating the impact of their research. Faculty, staff, and students welcome. Pre-register.
Questions? Contact Jody A. Graden, 4-6117, jgraden@iastate.edu

Michael Schrage, a widely published columnist on innovation, will be the keynote speaker at the Emerging Technologies Conference 2008, to be held on campus. April 3-4. Schrage will speak on “HCI: Help Create Ideas-Exploring Innovation Leadership,” Friday, April 4 at noon in Howe Hall. More information and complete conference schedule.
ETC2008 is sponsored by, the Virtual Reality Applications Center, the Human Computer Interaction Graduate Program, and the CyberInnovation Institute.

Weekly News and Tip, March 13, 2008

2008-03-14T11:21:00.004-05:00

Tip - Key Characteristics of Good Teaching
Faculty developer Barbara Mills identifies nine key characteristics of good teaching, such as knowledge of the subject matter, about which faculty and students agree. Learn about all nine of these.

Announcements - CELT Programming
Register for CELT events via AccessPlus (go to the Employee tab, then to HRS Training > Continue > Courses).

Two WebCT workshops are coming up, both in 1230 Communications:

WebCT: Quizzes, Surveys & Self-Tests, Wed., March 26, 9-11 a.m., and
Introduction to WebCT GOLD, Friday, March 28, 2-3:30 p.m.

FYI - Creativity Outcome Meeting; Lecture on Prejudice

Creativity Outcome Center meeting, Tuesday, March 25, 12-1 p.m., 1121 HNSB. All are welcome. Share resources and best practices in helping students learn creativity, working toward better defining and assessing this ability.
The Anatomy of Prejudice, a three-hour presentation with Jane Elliott, adaptor of the Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes exercise, will be held Thursday, March 27, 7 p.m., in the Memorial Union Sun Room. She will explore with the audience the problems of racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia, and ethnocentrism, and ways to eliminate them from our selves and our environment.

Weekly News and Tip, March 6, 2008

2008-03-06T16:00:00.007-06:00

Tip - Ways to Benefit Students’ Writing
For instructors who evaluate writing - and know how much time that entails - here are 11 Things You Could Start Doing Today for the Benefit of Your Students' Writing, from the Tomorrow's Professor Blog.

Announcements - CELT Programming
Register for CELT events via AccessPlus (go to the Employee tab, then to HRS Training > Continue > Courses).

Implementing Universal Instructional Design in Teaching, with Nancy Evans, Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, will be presented Tuesday, March 11, 12:10-1:30 p.m., Pioneer Room, Memorial Union. Refreshments provided.
Plan now to attend the Miller showcase, Tuesday, March 25, 12:10-1:30 p.m., Campanile Room, Memorial Union. Miller Fellows will be on hand to discuss their projects and the scholarly work that has resulted. Light lunch and beverages provided.

FYI - Register for Learning Communities Institute; Learn About Citation in Science Disciplines

The 10th Annual Learning Communities Institute has been scheduled for Monday, May 12, at Scheman Building, Iowa State Center. You are invited to attend for all or part of the day. Please encourage your colleagues to attend. The online registration process is simple and should take less than a minute. Register for the 10th Annual Learning Communities Institute today.
Lorrie Pellack, Associate Professor, Parks Library, presents Get X-cited About Cited References in the Sciences, Wednesday, March 12, 3:15-4:30 p.m. in 192 Parks Library. This seminar will inform faculty and researchers on new strategies and techniques for validating the impact of their research. Faculty, staff, and students welcome. Pre-register for Get X-cited About Cited References in the Sciences.
Questions? Contact Jody A. Graden, 4-6117.

Weekly News and Tip, February 28, 2008

2008-02-28T13:52:00.009-06:00

Tip - Don't be Afraid to Ask for Student Opinion
From The Online Journal of Teaching and Learning, published by the California State University system, comes an interesting set of student suggestions for improving their learning, “Don't be Afraid to Ask the Students”

Announcements - CELT Programming
Register for CELT events via AccessPlus (go to the Employee tab, then to HRS Training > Continue > Courses).

Don’t forget the panel discussion by Master Teachers on Large Classes, a panel discussion with the 2007-08 LAS Master Teachers, today, 3.30-5 p.m. in the MU Campanile Room. Refreshments provided.
A WebCT workshop on Managing Students and Grades will be held tomorrow, Feb. 29, 10-11:30 a.m., 1230 Communications.
CELT is happy to announce the return of the popular and informative Faculty Forum: Teaching Tips, Tuesday, March 4, 12:10-1:30 p.m., in the MU Campanile Room. Bring your lunch; beverages and desserts will be provided.
Implementing Universal Instructional Design in Teaching, with Nancy Evans, Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, will be presented Tuesday, March 11, 12:10 p.m. -1:30 p.m., MU Pioneer Room. Refreshments provided.

Special Presentation on Creativity with Jeff Stamp

Jeff Stamp, Assistant Professor and Chair of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of North Dakota, is the Reiman Entrepreneurial speaker on campus this semester. He will offer a faculty Workshop on Creativity and Innovation on Thursday, March 6, 1-3 p.m. in the MU South Ballroom. Learn to be creative and innovative in a large university environment and to impart skills in creativity to your students. A dessert bar will be provided. Register through the Pappajohn Center.

FYI - Session on “Stories of Teaching and Learning in Study Abroad”

The final presentation in the current set of sessions on “Stories of Teaching and Learning in Study Abroad” will be “Creative Fund Raising for Study Abroad,” with speakers Rich Engelhorn, Kinesiology, and William Grundmann, Landscape Architecture, Tuesday, March 4, 12 noon, in 411 College of Design.

Weekly News and Tip, February 21, 2008

2008-02-21T15:21:00.006-06:00

Tip - Teaching in Times of Crisis
The shootings at Northern Illinois University remind us yet again that violence on campus and elsewhere is possible and can affect our students. Whether events are local, national, or international, they can cast a shadow over our classrooms. For ideas on teaching in times of crisis, see this advice from Vanderbilt University.
*The Vanderbilt site links to its own student counseling center. Please refer ISU students to ISU Student Counseling Services, or 294-5056.
ISU Employee Assistance Program

Announcements - CELT Programming
Register for CELT events via AccessPlus (go to the Employee tab, then to HRS Training > Continue > Courses).

Two PowerPoint training sessions will be held tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 22, both in 1230 Communications:

PowerPoint II: Working with Objects and Multimedia Tools, 1:10-3 p.m.
PowerPoint III: Using Animation and Branching Tools, 3:10-5 p.m.

Faculty Forum: Reaching the Net Generation Through Blended Learning, Monday, Feb. 25, 12:10-1:30 p.m. in the MU Campanile Room. Speakers will describe ways to use WebCT, Wimba, and Moodle to enhance teaching. Bring your lunch; beverages and desserts are provided.
Two WebCT GOLD sessions will be held next week, both in 1230 Communications:

Communication Tools and Strategies, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2:10-3:40 p.m.
Managing Students and Grades, Friday, Feb. 29, 10-11:30 a.m.

Not for LAS only! All are invited to Master Teachers on Large Classes, a panel discussion with the 2007-08 LAS Master Teachers, Thursday, Feb. 28, 3.30-5 p.m. in the MU Campanile Room.

FYI - Creativity Outcome Group Meets; Webcast on Online Learning and Land-Grant Universities

All are welcome to the Creativity Outcome Center meeting Tuesday, Feb. 26, 12-1 p.m., 1121 Human Nutritional Sciences Building (next to LeBaron Auditorium). We will continue sharing resources and best practices in helping students learn creativity, working toward better defining and assessing this ability.
The Strategic Case for Online Learning: Access, Engagement and Success, webcast, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 12:00-1:30 p.m., 1230 Communications. NASULGC President Peter McPherson and land-grant university presidents will share their views about online learning in higher education.

Weekly News and Tip, February 14, 2008

2008-02-14T13:55:00.005-06:00

Tip - Ideas for Good Poster Presentations
Practitioners in many fields, especially in the sciences, have long used posters as a means of communication. With the growth of ISUComm, posters are an important way for students in all colleges to convey what they learn. Whether poster-makers are students or professionals, they will find links, tips and resources on poster making at the Stanford University Center for Teaching and Learning.

Announcement - New CELT Web Site
Hearty thanks are owed to CELT Learning Technologies staff Rex Heer and Yaoling Wang, who have re-conceived and redesigned CELT’s web site! The new design is intended to be easier to navigate. It includes “tag clouds” that make it easy to find pages related to specific content, an RSS feed to bring CELT news directly to you, and a blog version of the CELT News and Tip that make it possible to comment on how a Tip has been useful to you, or how you might have adapted it. These new features make the CELT site more interactive.

Plan to Attend These CELT Programming Events
Register for CELT events via AccessPlus (go to the Employee tab, then to HRS Training > Continue > Courses).

Learn about effective practice in using end-of-term evaluations at the Faculty Forum: Student Evaluation of Teaching, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 12:10-1:30 p.m., MU Cardinal Room. Bring your lunch; beverages and desserts are provided.
Join us for a Clicker Pedagogy Discussion, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 12:10-1 p.m., 1230 Communications. In this informal discussion, hear how peers use personal response systems or “clicker” technology in their teaching.
WebCT GOLD sessions in 1230 Communications:

RESCHEDULED: Introduction to WebCT GOLD, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 10-11:30 a.m.
Managing Course Content, Thursday, Feb. 21, 9-10:30 a.m.

Two PowerPoint training sessions will be held Friday, Feb. 22, in 1230 Communications:

PowerPoint II: Working with Objects and Multimedia Tools, 1:10-3 p.m.
PowerPoint III: Using Animation and Branching Tools, 3:10-5 p.m.

FYI - Upcoming Meetings, Sessions on Campus

Problem-Solving Outcomes Group meets tomorrow, Feb. 15, 12-1 p.m. in 2030 Morrill. Ron Myers will lead a general discussion on Problem-Based Learning.
An EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative webinar, Virtual Worlds as a Tool for Situational Learning, will be held Tuesday, Feb. 19, 12-1 p.m. in 206 Durham.
ISU alum Lowell Catlett will speak on “Dreaming the Future: Trends and Technologies for the Next 150 Years,” Thursday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m., in the Memorial Union Sun Room. Catlett, dean of the College of Agriculture and Home Economics at New Mexico State, holds the NMSU Regents Professorship in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business and has received NMSU's top teaching honor.

Weekly News and Tip, February 7, 2008

2008-02-07T10:43:00.000-06:00

Tip - When Students (and You) Are Tired
Some of us teach large classes; some teach at night; we may even teach large classes at night. But the problem of tired-out students (and instructors) may strike even a small discussion class at 10 a.m.! For ideas on reaching students when they are tired, especially but not only in large classes, see this recent article from Academe Online, published by AAUP.

Announcements - CELT Programming
Register for CELT events via AccessPlus (go to the Employee tab, then to HRS Training > Continue > Courses).

Introduction to WebCT GOLD, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 10-11:30 a.m., 1230 Communications
Graduate Student Programming: Preparing for Academic Interviews, Thursday, Feb. 14, 3:30-5 p.m., 1115 Pearson
Learn about effective practice in using end-of-term evaluations at the Faculty Forum: Student Evaluation of Teaching, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 12:10-1:30 p.m., MU Cardinal Room. Bring your lunch; beverages and desserts are provided.

FYI - Study Abroad Session; Help for Your Students

Reciprocal Group Programs in Study Abroad. Program Directors for reciprocal programs to China and Costa Rica will share their experiences, Wednesday, Feb. 13, Noon, 142 Curtiss Hall. Sponsored by the Study Abroad Center, Global Agriculture Programs, Phi Beta Delta, SAEAC and CELT. For more information contact 294-6792.
Academic Intervention Program. Students who may need encouragement and support to succeed at ISU can find help in the Academic Intervention Program, within the Academic Success Center. This program offers a series of workshops for students on Academic Success Strategies. Learn more about the Spring 2008 workshops.
If you have any questions, contact Jill Kramer (jillck@iastate.edu; 4-2467).

Weekly News and Tip, January 31, 2008

2008-02-01T11:22:00.000-06:00

Tip - Ways to Encourage Student Retention
In Fall 2007, President Gregory Geoffroy called student recruitment and retention a major priority for ISU. Do you wonder what individuals can do to improve retention? Three ways to learn about the topic are:

Read the article on retention in the CELT newsletter, which should be in faculty mailboxes this week
Attend the Feb. 4 panel discussion on The Classroom Climate for Students of Color (see details below)
Check out the many suggestions for improved faculty/student interaction and classroom climate tips.

Announcements - CELT Events as We Head into February
Register for CELT events through AccessPlus (go to Employee > HRS Training > Continue > Courses).

Upcoming WebCT GOLD Workshops, held in 1230 Communications:

WebCT GOLD: Managing Course Content, tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 1, 10-11:30 a.m.
WebCT GOLD: Quizzes, Surveys & Self-Tests, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2:10-4 p.m.

PowerPoint I: Creating Effective Presentations for the Classroom (PowerPointXP/Office 2003), Wednesday, Feb. 6, 1:10-3 p.m., 1230 Communications
Getting Students to Read, tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 1, 12:10-1:30 p.m., 2030 Morrill Hall
A few spaces remain in the McKeachie's Teaching Tips Teaching and Learning Circle for graduate students which begins next week. The Circle starts Friday, Feb. 8, 12-1:30 p.m. Register to receive readings and details; registration is limited to 15.
PowerPoint I: Creating Effective Presentations for the Classroom

FYI - Classroom Climate for Students of Color
A panel discussion on The Classroom Climate for Students of Color at Iowa State is coming up on Monday, Feb. 4, at noon in the Memorial Union Sun Room. Among the speakers will be Modupe Labode, Iowa State University alum and former faculty member. Come to this discussion about the experiences of students and faculty of color on campus.

Weekly News and Tip, January 24, 2008

2008-01-24T20:07:00.000-06:00

Tip - Teaching in an e-Classroom
While classroom technologies differ greatly among disciplines and institutions, there are effective practices for teaching with technology that are widely applicable. This site refers to the use of wireless notebooks for students, but contains advice useful for all those who use technology in instruction. See “Best Practices for an e-Classroom”.

Announcements - CELT Programming for Next Week
Register for CELT events through AccessPlus (go to Employee > HRS Training > Continue > Courses).

Three WebCT GOLD workshops will be held this week, all in 1230 Communications Building:

Introduction to WebCT GOLD, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2:10-3:40 p.m.
WebCT GOLD: Communication Tools and Strategies, Wednesday, Jan. 30, 9-10:30 a.m.
WebCT GOLD: Managing Students and Grades, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2:10-3:40 p.m.

Developing Service-Learning Partnerships with Community Agencies, Wednesday, January 30, 12:10-1:30 p.m., Campanile Room, Memorial Union (please note change of location)
Getting Students to Read, Friday, February 1, 12:10-1:30 p.m., 2030 Morrill Hall

FYI - About Student Reading
A report issued late last year by the National Endowment for the Arts addresses the decline in reading among young adults. See a summary and the full report of "To Read or Not to Read".

Weekly News and Tip, January 17, 2008

2008-01-17T20:36:00.000-06:00

Tip - Creating Enthusiasm
It is widely reported in the research literature that one of the keys to successful teaching is to generate enthusiasm in the classroom. But how, exactly, can this be done? See some detailed suggestions on creating enthusiasm in discussion-based classes and large-format classes as well.

Announcements - CELT Programming; Miller reminder

CELT's spring programming kicks off next week with a special session for graduate students. "Going on the Academic Job Market," facilitated by CELT Assistant Director Donna Kienzler, offers an overview on how to seek an academic job, with an emphasis on vitae and cover letters. The session will be held 3-5 p.m. Thursday, January 24, in 1115 Pearson. Register for CELT events through AccessPlus (go to Employee > HRS Training > Continue > Courses).
Look for the full schedule of CELT programming for spring, now online.
Don't forget that applications for Miller Grants are due to your college dean, with an electronic copy to CELT Assistant Director Steve Freeman by Friday, February 1. Any ISU faculty member or team (tenured, tenure-eligible, adjunct, lecturer or clinician) may apply for a grant of $1000-$35,000 to develop innovative approaches to undergraduate teaching. More information on Miller Grants.

FYI - New phone number for Disability Resources Office
CELT lists sample syllabus statements regarding accommodation for students with disabilities, but the listed phone number for the Disability Resources office has changed. We are updating our web page, but please note that if you or your students wish to contact the Disability Resources office, the current number is 294-7220.

Weekly News and Tip, January 10, 2008

2008-01-10T08:46:00.000-06:00

Tip - Good Teaching: The Top Ten Requirements
Welcome back! In these last quiet days before the start of term, take a minute to consider what it really takes to be a good teacher. According to one prize-winning professor, three of the requirements are passion for your field, knowledge and the ability to share it, and the gift of listening.
More on Good Teaching: The Top Ten Requirements

Announcement - Mean Business of Second Life
Dr. Brian Mennecke, College of Business, and Dr. Lesya Hassall, CELT, will present “The Mean Business of Second Life: Opportunities and Challenges of Using Second Life to Teach Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Commerce,” Friday, January 18, 2-3:15 p.m., 206 Durham Center (no registration necessary).

This seminar will describe and analyze the pedagogical issues resulting from teaching three courses on entrepreneurship, technology, and e-commerce in Second Life, a 3-D world with a vibrant self-contained economy. It will emphasize the pros and cons of using Second Life for teaching and learning about e-commerce processes, products and services, and the role of human behavior.

FYI - Don't Forget the CELT Library
As you prepare for the new term, don’t forget the resources of the CELT library, 3024 Morrill Hall. It is usually open 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The library contains books, periodicals, films and other materials on teaching and learning. Faculty may check out books and videos for two weeks. Simply follow the sign-out procedures listed on a card in each book. The Library Database can be searched by author, title, description, publisher, or call number.

Weekly News and Tip, December 6, 2007

2007-12-06T08:26:00.000-06:00

Tip - Getting Ready for Next Time
The best time to invest in effective teaching happens before the course begins. Find essential information on designing a course by visiting “Teaching Resources/Designing a Course” and “Design and Teach Your Course."

Announcement - Planning to Have (or to Be) a Guest Speaker
As you plan next semester’s courses, you might think about having an expert visit your class; or perhaps you will be asked to visit another’s class.
Tips on "Using Guest Speakers Effectively"
Ideas on "When You Are the Guest Lecturer" (This link opens a PDF; scroll down to find the article.)

FYI - ISUComm
Did you know that a wealth of information is online concerning ISU's communication across the curriculum program? ISUComm Pedagogy contains resources for helping students who are "Learning to Communicate" in foundation and advanced communication courses, and are "Communicating to Learn" in courses within their majors.

This is the final CELT News and Tip email of the semester. The staff at CELT wishes you a wonderful winter break. See you in the new year!

Weekly News and Tip, November 29, 2007

2007-11-29T08:48:00.000-06:00

Tip - Grading Efficiently
Even experienced graders can feel overwhelmed at this time of the semester. Whether you are new or an old hand at grading, you can find suggestions for grading quickly and fairly at the sites:
“Grading Practices” – containing general strategies and advice
“Save Time Grading as an Instructor or Professional” – mainly for writing instructors
“Grading Advice for TAs” – focused on computer science, but broadly applicable, especially for those new to grading

Announcement - Gail Nonnecke is Iowa Professor of the Year
Gail Nonnecke, Professor of Horticulture, has been named Iowa Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. More on this award:
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences News Release
Radio Iowa Announcement

FYI - New NSSE Data
New NSSE (National Survey on Student Engagement) data is out, and students and parents are paying more attention to this data as they choose colleges. For more on this topic, see:
"What schools across the USA are doing to engage students"
"Beyond rankings: A new way to look for a college"

Weekly News and Tip, November 15, 2007

2007-11-17T13:43:00.000-06:00

Tip - Ending the Semester Well
Over Thanksgiving break, you may want to plan ways to wrap up your course. For example, on the last day you might want to go over your course syllabus as a means of reviewing; ask students to write letters to future students introducing (or critiquing) the course; or use a game format as a way to review for the exams. For more ideas, see "Better Endings: What to Do in the Last Day of Class."

Announcements - CELT Workshops
Register for the following CELT events through AccessPlus (go to Employee > HRS Training > Continue > Courses).

"WebCT GOLD: Managing Students and Grades" will be held Tuesday, November 27, from 9-10:30 a.m. in 1230 Communications.
"Using the New TurningPoint 2008 Clickers to Engage Students in the Classroom" will be offered Thursday, November 29, from 12-1 p.m. in 1230 Communications. Basic PowerPoint skills are required. TurningPoint 2008 software works with Office 2003 and 2007 and has a redesigned interface.

FYI - Steele on Student Performance

Claude Steele, Lucie Stern Professor in the Social Sciences at Stanford University, will speak on "The Effect of Stereotyping on Student Performance," Thursday, November 29, 8 p.m., in the MU Great Hall. Steele's research interests focus on how group stereotypes, such as racial or gender stereotypes, can influence academic performance.

Weekly News and Tip, November 8, 2007

2007-11-14T09:52:00.000-06:00

Tip - Your Voice Is a Teaching Tool
How you speak, as well as what you say, has important effects in your classroom. There are several ways you can help yourself speak effectively. For example, if you tend to talk too quickly, you can write on the board as a "brake," slowing yourself to the speed at which you can write (very likely slower than you speak). You might also use color-coding on your lecture notes to tell yourself to speed up, slow down, pause for questions, and so on. For more on these and other tips for effective classroom speaking, see "Varying Speed and Tone of Voice."

Announcement - WebCT Workshop
Register for the following CELT events through AccessPlus (go to Employee > HRS Training > Continue > Courses).

Teaching & Learning in a MUVE (Second Life) has been rescheduled. There will be two sessions: today (November 8), 2:10-4 p.m., and Monday, November 12, 3:10-5 p.m., both in 1230 Communications.
WebCT GOLD: Managing Course Content will be held Thursday, November 15, from 2-3:30 p.m. in 1230 Communications Building.

FYI - Creativity Outcomes, Second Life Symposium

Everyone is invited to the next meeting of the Creativity Outcome Center, Tuesday, November 13, 12-1:30 p.m. in 29 MacKay. This group will explore how to define creativity, engage students in creativity development, and assess their progress. For more information, contact Suzanne Hendrich, 4-4272, shendric@iastate.edu.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences presents a symposium, "A Second Look at Second Life," Thursday, November 15, 7 p.m. in the MU Campanile Room. Second Life is a "virtual world" which has almost 10 million users. More information on "A Second Look at Second Life".

Weekly News and Tip, November 1, 2007

2007-11-02T14:00:00.000-05:00

Tip - Hold Students' Attention in "Prime-Time" and "Down-Time"
This is the time of the semester when it may be difficult to maintain your students' attention. Brain researcher David A. Sousa has documented that class periods have moments of both "prime-time" and "down-time." Prime-time, when students learn best, generally occurs near the beginning of class. It may be useful, then, to introduce new material at that point and use the next part of class, the down-time, for application, discussion, and practice.
More ideas on using prime-time and down-time.

Announcements - CELT Is Sold Out for Next Week
Please check CELT's calendar of events frequently for workshops and sessions of interest - and sign up early! All of CELT's events for the coming week are at capacity. Be on the lookout late this semester for an "early bird" campus mailing of some of CELT's spring events so that you can plan ahead.

FYI - Stories of Teaching and Learning in Study Abroad
The next in a series of brown-bag discussions on Teaching and Learning in Study Abroad will be held Thursday, November 6, 12-1 p.m. in 3004/3006 Black Engineering. "Field Experiences & Experiential Learning in Study Abroad" will be presented by Paula Curran, Associate Professor, Art and Design, Frank Peters, Associate Professor, Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, and Leslie Potter, Lecturer, Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering. All are invited; no registration necessary.

Weekly News and Tip, October 25, 2007

2007-10-26T20:04:00.000-05:00

Tip - Teaching Tips for Diverse Classrooms
The diverse population of community college students creates a particular set of challenges for teachers. Many techniques for reaching this diverse group are also applicable in the university classroom.
More: A dozen specific ideas on reaching and helping diverse students.

Announcements - Diversity in STEM Fields; CELT Programming
"Diversity in the Worlds of Math, Science, and Engineering" will be presented by James H. Johnson, Dean, College of Engineering, Architecture and Computer Sciences at Howard University, Tuesday, October 30, 2:30-4 p.m., Alliant Energy-Lee Liu Auditorium, Howe Hall. Free admission; reception follows in Howe Lobby.

Register for the following CELT events through AccessPlus (go to Employee > HRS Training > Continue > Courses).

CELT Faculty Forum: Engaging the Net-Generation through Blended Learning, Wednesday, October 31, 12:10-1:30 p.m., MU Campanile Room. ISU faculty who are experienced in using course management software like WebCT GOLD will share how they combine technology-based materials with face-to-face sessions. Feel free to bring your lunch; beverages and desserts provided.
Teaching & Learning and Social Software, Wednesday, October 31, 3:10-4:30 p.m., 1230 Communications. Learn what Facebook.com, MySpace.com, Second Life, Social Bookmarking, and Wikis have to do with teaching and learning, and about the implications for educators of the rapid changes in technology and communication among college students.
Workshop on Bloom's Taxonomy, with Ann Marie VanDerZanden, Associate Professor, Horticulture, Thursday, November 1, 3:30-5 p.m., 2030 Morrill Hall. Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives can help you formulating questions to develop complex and critical thinking in your students. This conversation on Bloom's Taxonomy can help make a difference in your course preparation and class planning.

FYI - Academic Intervention
Students who may need encouragement and support to succeed at Iowa State can find help in the Academic Intervention Program. One of the offerings of this program is a series of workshops for students on Academic Success Strategies.
Learn more about the Academic Intervention Program.
If you have any questions about this program, contact Jill Kramer (4-2467).

Weekly News and Tip, October 18, 2007

2007-10-19T08:50:00.000-05:00

Tip - Time to Think about Textbooks
If you have not yet ordered your textbooks for next term, it is time to do so. The University Bookstore needs time to process book orders, permissions, and course packs. Some ideas on ordering and using textbooks that are effective (and cost-effective) learning tools appear at:
Textbook Selection 101: Not as easy as it may seem
For more on effective use of textbooks, see:

Announcements - CELT Events
To register for CELT events, use AccessPlus (go to Employee > HRS Training > Continue > Courses).

Graduate Student Programming: ABCs of Grading, Thursday, October 25, 3:30-5 p.m., 1115 Pearson. Geared specifically to graduate students and TAs, this session offers ideas for fast, fair, and effective grading, including how much to grade, how to deal with collaborative work, how to increase feedback, how to arrange grading workloads, and ways to deal with student grade complaints.
CELT Faculty Forum: Engaging the Net-Generation through Blended Learning, Wednesday, October 31, 12:10-1:30 p.m., MU Campanile Room. ISU faculty who are experienced in using course management software like WebCT GOLD will share how they combine technology-based materials with face-to-face sessions. Feel free to bring your lunch; beverages and desserts provided.
Teaching & Learning and Social Software, Wednesday, October 31, 3:10-4:30 p.m. Learn what Facebook.com, MySpace.com, Second Life, Social Bookmarking, and Wikis have to do with teaching and learning, and about the implications for educators of the rapid changes in technology and communication among college students.

FYI - Stories of Teaching and Learning in Study Abroad
A new set of brown-bag discussions for anyone interested in student learning and study abroad begins Wednesday, October 24, 12-1 p.m. in Room 8, Curtiss Hall. Marlin Rice, Professor of Entomology, will present "I Speak of Africa and Golden Joys: Preparing Students to Study Abroad." All are invited; no registration necessary.

Weekly News and Tip, October 11, 2007

2007-10-18T11:29:00.000-05:00

Tip - Over-Teaching: How Much is Too Much?
Students need support, engaging in-class activities, and practice in learning and in applying what they learn. Yet too much "scaffolding," or providing help to students, may keep them from real intellectual growth. What is the right balance between doing too little for students and doing too much? Robert K. Noyd, Professor of Biology at the U.S. Air Force Academy, considers this question.

Announcements - Plenty of Events

Communication Outcome Center Meeting, Monday, October 15, 4-5 p.m., 2030 Morrill Hall. All faculty interested in communication learning at the undergraduate level are invited to attend a presentation by Tom Brumm, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, demonstrating OPAL software for assessing student competencies.
Communication Outcome Center details and background material.
EDUCAUSE Webinar, "A Fresh Look at FERPA," Wednesday, October 17, 12-1 p.m., 206 Durham. No registration required. This webinar will cover the purpose and basic structure of FERPA; the most important exceptions to FERPA; and FERPA in the electronic world. Sponsored by ITServices and CELT.
"Supporting Teachers as Problem Solvers," lecture by David Jonassen, Distinguished Professor of Education, University of Missouri, Wednesday, October 17, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Alliant Energy - Lee Liu Auditorium (Howe Hall Room 1140). This presentation will describe the kinds of problem-solving that engage teachers and how various technologies can be used to support teacher education students learning how to solve problems.

For the following CELT events, register through AccessPlus
(go to Employee > HRS Training > Continue > Courses).

Managing Course Content in WebCT GOLD, Tuesday, October 16, 2-3:30 p.m., 1230 Communications
Electronic Portfolios: eDoc, Wednesday, October 17, 12:30-2 p.m., 1230 Communications
Teaching and Learning Circle: Robert Boice's Advice for New Faculty Members, Thursday, October 18, 12-1 p.m. Register for location and readings.
Graduate Student Programming: ABCs of Grading, Thursday, October 25, 3:30-5 p.m., 1115 Pearson. Geared specifically to graduate students and TAs, this session offers ideas for fast, fair, and effective grading, including how much to grade, how to deal with collaborative work, how to increase feedback, how to arrange grading workloads, and ways to deal with student grade complaints.

FYI - TEACH Grants Deadline Approaches; Updated Miller Faculty Fellowship Information is Online

Don't forget! Applications for 2007-2008 CELT TEACH Grants of up to $1,250 are due on or before Monday, October 15. TEACH grants, which are for faculty development related to learning and teaching at the department level, must be submitted to CELT, 3024 Morrill Hall, by the deadline.
More TEACH grant information.
Information regarding the 2008-09 Miller Faculty Fellowships is now on the CELT website. Any ISU faculty member or team (tenured, tenure-eligible, adjunct, lecturer or clinician) may apply for a grant of $1000-$35,000 to develop innovative approaches to undergraduate teaching. Applications are due to your college dean, with an electronic copy to CELT Assistant Director Steve Freeman (sfreeman@iastate.edu) by Friday, February 1, 2008.
More Miller Faculty Fellowship information.

Weekly News and Tip, October 4, 2007

2007-10-05T11:00:00.000-05:00

Tip - Blogs for Teaching and Learning
"Blogs" - they've been in the dictionary since 2004, and are beginning to make their way into teaching practices in different fields. And what better way to learn about blogs than via a blog? One example is Liberal Education Today, which calls itself "a blog discussing the intersection of technology and liberal education".

For a primer on using blogs in education, see "Instructional Technologies in Education: Blogs".
Or learn more about "Using Technology in Teaching and Learning: Resources to Help You Navigate a Digital World".

You can also see how blogs are being used at ISU by visiting the "Civility in the Workplace Blog" and the "CCEE Student Blogs".

Announcements - CELT Events
For the following events, register through AccessPlus (go to Employee > HRS Training > Continue > Courses).

WebCT GOLD: Quizzes, Surveys & Self-Tests, Wednesday, October 10, 9-11 a.m., 1230 Communications.
Managing Course Content in WebCT GOLD, Tuesday, October 16, 2-3:30 p.m., 1230 Communications
Electronic Portfolios: eDoc, Wednesday, October 17, 12:30-2 p.m., 1230 Communications
Teaching and Learning Circle: Robert Boice, Advice for New Faculty Members, Thursday, October 18, 12-1 p.m. Register for location and readings.

FYI - Creativity Outcome Center; TEACH Grants Offered

You are invited to join faculty/staff/students/community members who are interested in improving how we develop student learning outcomes related to creativity. The Creativity Outcome Center meeting will be held Tuesday, October 9, 12:10-1:30 p.m. in 29 MacKay. For more information, contact Suzanne Hendrich, 4-4272, shendric@iastate.edu.
Don't forget that CELT is again sponsoring TEACH Grants of up to $1,250 for faculty development related to learning and teaching at the departmental level. Applications for 2007-2008 TEACH grants must be submitted to the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, 3024 Morrill Hall, on or before Monday, October 15.