Dear Unit Head,
We seek your assistance in identifying participants for the upcoming Inclusive Excellence Teaching Institute. If you could please review the description below and forward the names of 1 or 2 faculty you think might be interested in and/or benefit from this experience to munkd@gvsu.edu by April 24 it would be greatly appreciated. Nominees will be contacted directly by the Pew FTLC with further information.
Inclusive Excellence Teaching Institute
Inclusive excellence refers to the use of pedagogical strategies that address the needs of students with a variety of backgrounds, learning interests, and abilities. These strategies contribute to an overall inclusive learning environment, in which students feel equally valued. In order to provide faculty with an opportunity to learn more about inclusive excellence in teaching and learning, the Pew FTLC is partnering with the Office of Inclusion and Equity to offer an Inclusive Excellence Teaching Institute which begins with a 3-day intensive workshop, June 17-19, 2015.
WHO: The Institute is designed for tenure-track and affiliate faculty who are ready to make inclusiveness a focus in their teaching and interested in gaining insights on how to accomplish this. The Institute will examine barriers to learning for diverse student groups and introduce principles of active learning and other pedagogical approaches to promote an inclusive classroom environment.
WHAT: Through pre-assigned readings and facilitated discussions, faculty will begin the process of transforming their courses to reflect various aspects of inclusion. Faculty who complete the Institute will also meet monthly throughout the 2015 -2016 academic year to reconnect and discuss the progress made in transforming their courses.
10-12 participants will be selected based on the applications submitted. Care will be given to include faculty who represent a broad range of disciplines. Participants will receive $1000.00 in professional development funds at the conclusion of the academic year for full participation.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 17 through Friday, June 19, 2015, 9am-3pm
Lunch, snacks, and beverages will be provided each day.
WHERE: 3068 JHZ, Pew FTLC Demonstration Room
Tentative Framework:
Day I: 9-Noon
- Interactive discussion of foundational reading completed prior to Institute
1-3pm
- Faculty self-exploration and identity work
- Reflection on barriers to teaching and learning for diverse groups
Day II: 9-Noon
- Creating an inclusive classroom - what do diverse students want/need?
- Discussion of goals for course revision
1-3pm
- Building community in the classroom
- Active learning strategies
Day III: 9-Noon
- Active learning strategies (continued)
- Inclusive assignments and assessments for deep learning
1-3pm
- Individual reflection and presentation
Follow-up in Academic Year 2015-2016
- Participation in monthly follow-up discussions, including Inclusive Excellence Teaching Institute Graduation in April, 2016.
- Submit syllabus/course materials to be used as exemplars within one year of completing Institute.
- Submit end-of-year written reflection
