About the Initiative:

The Appalachian College Association (ACA) is undertaking a new initiative with Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) funded by the National Science Foundation. The goal of the project is to develop faculty who can adapt, implement, and assess contemporary research-based teaching approaches. As always, the goal of PKAL is to strengthen undergraduate student learning in the STEM fields.

The ACA will work with PKAL to hold a series of four one or two-day workshops spotlighting learning theory, engaged pedagogies, as well as research-based assessment approaches. Examples of research-based pedagogies for engaged learning include: Just-in-Time Teaching (JiTT), Peer-led Team Learning (PLTL), Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry (POGIL), and Problem-based Learning (PBL). PKAL will provide leading pedagogical practitioners to work with ACA faculty. In addition, we will include ACA faculty in leading workshops.

Pedagogies of Engagement

PKAL/ACA Workshops

Workshop I: May 26-28, 2008 at Emory & Henry College with the Quantitative Literacy workshop

Goals/Benefits: Attendees will learn about quantitative reasoning and quantitative literacy and reflect on how those concepts impact teaching and learning. Attendees will discuss with experienced and new faculty the impediments to pedagogical change. Through conversations with an experienced facilitator, they will talk about how pedagogies of engagement serve student learning goals and respond to the learning styles of the current student. They will have time to work on pedagogical change in your classes and leave with an agenda for action.

Agenda for the PKAL Track at the ACA Quantitative Literacy Workshop
May 26-28, 2008

Workshop II: June 3-4, 2008 at Brevard College-- special sessions for STEM faculty blended with the Teaching & Learning Institute

Goals/Benefits: Attendees will receive a copy of the book Creating Significant Learning Experiences and learn from the author what significant learning is. Using his taxonomy, attendees will create significant learning opportunities for your students. They will work with the creator of Just- in-Time Teaching (JiTT) to review learning theory and discuss various ways to engage students in their learning. Attendees will work in groups to apply JiTT and leave with an agenda for action.

Agenda for the PKAL Track at the ACA Teaching & Learning Institute
June 3-4

ACA/PKAL workshops are open to faculty in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at ACA colleges.