21st Annual Ann Ferren Teaching Conference
January 8, 2010
Session Descriptions
Session 1 (9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.):
Action Research: From the Classroom to the Community
Scott Bass (Provost)
This workshop illustrates how introductory social science research methods (survey research)
instruction can be incorporated into a practical study for a community-based agency. Results of
the student generated study can be shared with a partnering agency for purposes of selfimprovement or advocacy.
Cultural Diversity in the Classroom
Annette Bradford (CAS-LIT), Katherine Wilson (CAS-LIT), Rachel Robinson (SIS), Natalia
Allende (CAS-LIT)
An international interdisciplinary panel discusses their experiences with cross-cultural
communication in culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms. Participants will be invited to
raise concerns about issues arising in their own classrooms. Topics covered include the crafting
of assignments, encouraging student participation.
If Rubik Had a Rubric: Clarifying Faculty Expectations
Anastasia Snelling (CAS-SETH), Sheila Bedford (KSB), Marilyn Goldhammer (CAS-SETH),
Maria Ivancin (SOC), Patrick Thaddeus Jackson (Dir., General Education), Michael Manson
(CAS)
How can we help students understand what we expect on assignments, exams and papers? We’ll
explore two methodologies that clarify expectations for student work: grading rubrics and adding
course goals and student learning outcomes to course syllabi.
Does Twitter Make Your Students Twits?
P. Kelly Joyner (CAS-LIT), Stina Oakes (CAS-LIT), David Johnson (CAS-LIT)
Panelists will introduce ideas and observations about technology, E-media, and the electronic
gadgets we and our students use in and out of the classroom. Topics: e-mail etiquette, “speakerly” versus “writer-ly” texts, e-media fasting, the effects on interpersonal relationships, and
technology & pedagogy.
Facilitating Peer Learning
Bill Davies (SPA), Josh Loigman (SPA, Class of 2010), Kevine Tchantchou (SPA, Class of 2011)
Formalized peer learning in the classroom may offer faculty a successful means to increase
student engagement with class materials and ensure that "the reading gets done." This panel will
critically analyze the advantages of using undergraduates to facilitate learning in an academic
setting.
Going Green in the Classroom: Pros and Cons
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Lydia Morris Fettig (CAS-LIT), Erin Nunnally (CAS-LIT)
This panel will present some of the pros, cons, and realities of “going green” by examining the
environmental and educational impacts of green courses. Attendees will get a chance to reflect
upon the complexities of green efforts, discuss conservation strategies, and share teaching tips.
Flip, Vid, Dig, Blog…In Class
Sarah Menke-Fish (SOC), John Douglass (SOC), Maggie Stogner (SOC), Brigid Maher (SOC)
Film and Media Arts Faculty will share how students produce web-based elements as part of the
curriculum including video, digital images, blogs, mashups, and more. Included in this
presentation will be examples of how this work extends beyond the classroom and semester.
The Teaching Lounge: Frank, Relaxed Talk about Classroom Teaching and Learning
(Recurring session: also at 2:00 p.m.)
Victoria Connaughton (CAS-BIO), Katherine Farquhar (SPA-AU/NTL), Caleen Jennings (CASPERF)
Participants’ interests and concerns will shape the group’s discussion. The three panelists will
share teaching tips from their different perspectives and facilitate discussion about topics such as
teaching methods, learning styles, classroom environment and student-teacher interaction.
Introduction to Blackboard
CTRL Staff
Learn how to upload a syllabus, post an announcement, request e-reserves, send out a group email, and use other basic features of Blackboard.
Session 2 (11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.):
Engaged Scholarship: Connecting Community, Research, and Teaching
Marcy Fink Campos (Dir., Community Service Center), Nina Shapiro-Perl (CAS-ANTH, SOC),
Noemí Enchautegui de Jesús (CAS-PSYC), Alexandra Gekas (CAS, Class of 2011), Anastasia
Snelling (CAS-SETH)
Practitioners of community-based learning and research will share how to connect students to
DC nonprofit agencies, allowing them to practice skills, deepen learning, and respond to
community needs. Best practices for developing community partnerships and providing
meaningful course projects will be discussed.
Using Power Point in Teaching: Bad and Good Experiences
Jack Child (CAS-LFS), Brian Yates (CAS-PSYC), Catalina Esguerra (CAS-LFS), Chris Tudge
(CAS-BIO), Leisha Reynolds (CAS-LFS), Bryan Fantie (CAS-PSYC), Richard Linowes (KSB)
This panel will focus on bad (and good) experiences using Power Point in teaching, with a focus
on "How Not to Use Power Point." Various faculty and students will describe some of their
experiences with Power Point, showing the actual Power Point if possible.
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Let's Talk About Diversity: GLBTA Issues in the Classroom
Sara Bendoraitis (Dir., GLBTA Resource Center), Matt Bruno (GLBTA Resource Center), Karl
Kippola (CAS-PERF)
This session will explore the challenges of diversity in the classroom. Using the Social Justice
Model and other research as a basis for discussion, participants will be encouraged to strategize
the ways in which to be more inclusive of GLBT topics and of the GLBT population.
Recruiting Students To Your Teaching Team
Joe Graf (SOC), Wendy Melillo (SOC), Michael Wilkerson (CAS-PERF)
Let students build your syllabus! New technology has made it easier for students to contribute
materials for class. This panel discussion will focus on student-generated content. We will
discuss our experiments in the classroom and highlight ways students can add to the syllabus
with videos, presentations and readings.
How to Be Okay with ADA
Joanne Benica (Dir., Disability Support Services), Kathy Schwartz (Dir., Academic Support
Center), Lyn Stallings (CAS-MATH), Sue Marcum (KSB)
Disability support directors at AU will moderate a panel discussion by faculty for faculty. In
order to better understand how requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act affect the
classroom, the panel will discuss such topics as test accommodations, coursework modifications,
and classroom participation for students with disabilities.
What Faculty Need and Want From Their Chairs
Kiho Kim (CAS-ENVS), John Doolittle (SOC), Tamar Gutner (SIS), Deirdre Golash (SPA-JLS)
Two current and one former chair will lead a session exploring what faculty want from their
leader. That question was put to several AU faculty and the results will be part of the discussion.
Integrating Information Literacy into the Classroom
Rachel Borchardt (Library), Michael Matos (Library)
Understanding the principles of information literacy is critical to student success. We will
discuss ways to integrate information literacy concepts into your classroom (including sample
assignments), partnering with other campus entities to support information literacy, and how
information literacy is currently being implemented across campus.
Reducing Stress in Teaching and Learning
Deborah Norris (CAS-PSYC), Elizabeth Goll Lerner (The Mindfulness Center, Bethesda, MD),
Rena Reese (The Mindfulness Center, Bethesda, MD)
Did you know that both teaching and learning can be significantly compromised as a result of
stress? Discover the “stressors” that impact the transference of knowledge in your classroom and
find out what it takes to create a stress-free learning zone.
Advanced Blackboard
CTRL Staff
Learn how to set up the Gradebook, Assignment Manager, Discussion Boards and other features
of Blackboard.
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Session 3 (2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.):
Practical Strategies for Incorporating Bilingualism and Biculturalism in the Classroom
Carolyn Brown (SOC), Linda Mancillas Patterson (SPA), Nuria Vilanova (CAS-LFS)
This panel will focus on how to make your class Bilingual or Bicultural. Practical strategies and
projects for incorporating both English and Spanish language speakers into the classroom
experience will be discussed. The objective is to find practical ways to expose students to diverse
experiences.
Teaching In the Age of Kindles and Vooks (Video Books)
Peter Starr (Dean, CAS), Iris Krasnow (Acad. Dir., Washington Journalism Semester), Melissa
Becher (Library),Gail Ross (Gail Ross Literary Agency, LLC)
Hear how Kindle and vooks (video books) are transforming not only an author’s ability to
publish, but potentially could make major inroads in the classroom in the coming years. Panelists
include the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, a bestselling author who is also an AU
professor, a literary agent, and an associate librarian.
Going the (Digital) Distance
Meg Weekes (SPA), Maria Ivancin (SOC), Adrea Lawrence (CAS-SETH)
Distance Education, or online learning, continues to grow at AU. Hungry to be part of this
important movement? AU's online experts take the 5,000-foot view, the 500-foot view and one
from the laptop. Hear from an instructor, a researcher with new data about AU—and a student,
f2f.
Inspiring Enthusiasm and Motivation in the Classroom
Chris Palmer (SOC)
This workshop will provide opportunities to learn various techniques and ideas for inspiring
students to become enthusiastic and motivated, including how to create an atmosphere of warmth
and trust in the classroom.
Balancing Teaching and Research
Ralph Pollack (University of Maryland, Baltimore County)
Learn how to successfully integrate research with teaching,
plan a research program, involve students in research, set research and teaching goals and find
the time to do it.
Student Videos: Doing It Right
Danny Ledonne (CTRL-NMC), Jon Biddle (CTRL-NMC), Allison Holcomb (KSB), Lilian BaezaMendoza (CAS-LFS)
New Media Center video gurus will present on how to effectively and realistically integrate
video assignments in the classroom for rich, rewarding learning experiences using multimedia.
Following this, faculty are invited to share their ideas or ask questions.
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The Teaching Lounge: Frank, Relaxed Talk about Classroom Teaching and Learning
(Recurring session: also at 9:30 a.m.)
Victoria Connaughton (CAS-BIO), Katherine Farquhar (SPA-AU/NTL), Caleen Jennings (CASPERF)
Participants’ interests and concerns will shape the group’s discussion. The three panelists will
share teaching tips from their different perspectives and facilitate discussion about topics such as
teaching methods, learning styles, classroom environment and student-teacher interaction.
The Effective Use of Case Studies in Teaching
Anna Amirkhanyan (SPA), Alison Jacknowitz (SPA), David Pitts (SPA), Julie Riordan (SPA), Ed
Stazyk (SPA)
This panel will cover how to effectively use case studies in the classroom. Panelists will also talk
about the advantages and disadvantages of teaching with case studies. Finally, the panel will
provide participants with a list of organizations that provide quality case studies.
Introduction to Wimba
CTRL Staff
Learn how to conduct a class entirely online with this synchronous learning software, which is
available to all AU faculty, staff and students. It works within Blackboard and offers a real-time
method for interacting with students that complements other Blackboard tools.
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