2011 Ann Ferren Teaching Conference – Session Descriptions
9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Sessions:
101: Academic Research and Writing Across Disciplines
(Donna Bain Butler (WCL), Rachel Borchardt (Library), Douglas Klusmeyer (SPA), Maria Green
Cowles (SIS))
This panel will discuss possibilities for advancing knowledge and skills for upper level
undergraduate research writers, graduate research writers, and visiting scholars conducting
research in the university.
102: Are Class Discussions More Effective Than a Lecture?
(Ghiyath Nakshbendi (KSB), Nuria Vilanova (CAS-LFS))
The power of a structured discussion format as a main tool to teach college students will be
explored and assessed with some useful recommendations for implementations.
103: Bringing Media Projects Into a Non-Media Course
(Larry Engel (SOC), Kiho Kim (CAS-ENVS), Simon Nicholson (SIS))
This session looks at criteria by which to assess media projects in non-media courses. How can a
professor fairly review students' video, audio, and multi-media or web-based work? What are
some of the grammatical and rhetorical or creative elements by which to provide accurate and
productive feedback to, and grading for, students.
104: Enhanced Learning Through Collaborating With Your Students
(Nimai Mehta (WSEM), Heather Heckel (WSEM), Diane Lowenthal (WSEM), Eleftherios Michael
(WSEM), Amy Morrill Bijeau (WSEM), Beverly Peters (WSEM), Jeff Sosland (WSEM), Douglas
Walton (WSEM))
This session explores avenues of collaborative learning that produce enhanced outcomes, for
teacher and student. Seven AU faculty and one former-student present their research and
findings inside & outside the classroom on: Internships and Role of Supervisors; Travel through
Post-Conflict Zones; and Simulating Global Public Goods.
105: Grading Class Participation: Using a Rubric, Not an Impression
(Betsy Cohn (SIS), Kimberly Cowell-Meyers (SPA))
Do you have clear criteria for grading class participation? How do you avoid discriminating
against quiet students and how do you communicate your expectations to your students? We
encourage your ideas and questions in this panel devoted to developing a rubric for grading
class participation.
106: Responding to Student Disclosures of Sexual Victimization
(Gloria Young (Dir., Women's and Gender Studies), Sarah Bernal (Graduate Student, CAS-SOCY),
Jane Palmer (Graduate Student, SPA-JLS), Daniel Rappaport (Office of the Dean of Students))
One in five college women will be sexually victimized while in college (Fisher, 2010). This skillbuilding workshop involves information sharing and activities to enable faculty and staff to
better respond to students who disclose being survivors of sexual violence in class or in private.
107: Social Media in the Classroom: From Distraction to Action
(Miranda Gale (AU Social Media Club), Alex Priest (AU Social Media Club), Yong C. Lee (Social
Media Expert))
This panel aims to start a dialogue around the issue of social media use in the classroom, from
Facebook to Twitter to various other networks and digital tools. Discussion will include
opportunities for social media use in education, as well as hurdles to overcome.
108: Teaching Classes With A Broad Range Of Student Ability
(Kelly Joyner (CAS-LIT), Leah Johnson (CAS-LIT), Michael Keynes (CAS-MATH), Kate Wilson (CASLIT), Teresa Larkin (CAS-PHYS))
In this session, a panel of faculty members will discuss the challenges of, and introduce
strategies for, reaching students across the spectrum of abilities within one class section. We
also plan to open the discussion to attendees to help us draw some conclusions about best
practices.
109: Why Is This Student Getting Extended Time? Answer: Hidden Disabilities
(Joanne Benica (Dir., Disability Support Services), Kathy Schwartz (Dir., Academic Support
Center))
The presenters will engage participants in a discussion on strategies for working with students
with learning, attention, medical, and psychiatric disabilities, offer tips for effective
communication, and provide information on the legal obligations under the ADA. The
presentation will include typical situations professors may encounter.
110: Introduction to Blackboard 9
(CTRL Staff)
Need to learn Blackboard 9? Start with our course on basic features such as sending email,
posting announcements and managing users. Get some good tips for effectively managing your
Blackboard site as a classroom resource for you and your students.
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Sessions:
201: Changing Demographics of the AU Undergraduate Student Body
(Fanta Aw (Asst. VP for Campus Life), Karen Froslid-Jones (Dir., Institutional Research &
Assessment), Tiffany Speaks (Dir., Multicultural Affairs), Joshua Woodfork (CAS-ART), Angela
Dadak (CAS-LIT))
American University undergraduate student demographics are changing with respect to
socioeconomic background, first-generation status, racial/ethnic identity, and immigrant status.
This interactive session reviews up-to-date data on the undergraduate AU student body,
explores the implications for learning and teaching, and provides a paradigm for inclusive
education.
202: How to Teach Classes They Don't Want to Take
(Walter Wood (CAS-MATH), Jack Child (CAS-LFS))
The exciting thing about teaching is that one can get better forever. We will take a look at
courses students resist taking. This would include some General Education courses, some basic
required freshman courses, language requirements in some majors, and required courses.
203: How to Turn Your Class into a Book
(Gemma Puglisi (SOC), Russell Williams (SOC), Andrea Tschemplik (CAS-PHIL))
You have mastered your classroom and still continue your passion for research. However, you
never realized that what you bring to your classroom could be in print and helpful not only to
other students but to other professors throughout the country who teach in your field. Hear
from three professors who are bringing their classrooms to life and print...Learn how you can
combine both your research and teaching in a possible bestseller?!
204: Immigration at the Grassroots Level: Using Community-Based Learning to Bring Larger
Issues Home
(Marcy Fink Campos (Dir,. Center for Community Engagement & Service), Lilian Baeza-Mendoza
(CAS-LFS), Angie Chuang (SOC), Ana Lopez (Dir., Community Bridges), Peter Redvers-Lee (SIS))
The D.C. metro area is a center for diverse immigrant communities. Faculty have engaged
students in learning through an array of organizations. Panelists will share the 'why,' 'what,'
and 'how' behind these community-based learning and research experiences, along with their
impact on students and the community.
205: On the Right Track: Graduate Students and their Mentors
(Rosemary Wander, Vice Provost for Graduate Studies and Research, others TBA)
What is the current thinking across the country in academic circles about mentoring graduate
students? And how do AU faculty and graduate students approach the mentor-mentee
relationships. The session will provide a stimulating discussion on this topic and give you the
change to contribute.
206: Plagiarism: Dishonesty or Ignorance?
(Meg Weekes (SPA),Teri Schmidt (SPA), others TBA)
Students who hand in plagiarized papers are either dishonest or ignorant. Some students do
not know how to write responsibly about their research. This panel will help you distinguish
dishonesty from ignorance and provide tools to encourage commitment to responsible
academic work.
207: Re-Visioning General Education
(Patrick Thaddeus Jackson (Dir. of General Education), Larry Engel (SOC), Andy MacCracken
(Class of 2011), Richard Sha (CAS-LIT))
The Provost's Task Force on General Education recently proposed some changes to the General
Education Program that will affect how courses are taught, how students select courses, and
how student learning is assessed. This session, featuring members of the Task Force, will
discuss those changes and their implications. I envision presentation followed by lively
q&a/discussion.
208: The Google Classroom
(Erin Nixon (History Department), Jill Klein (KSB))
Explore Google applications for use in the classroom, for research, and to encourage creativity
and collaboration among students. See how you can use “cloud” technologies to engage with
students outside of the classroom, and to encourage engaged learning and collaboration on
large individual or group projects.
209: Understanding the T in GLBTA at AU
(Sara Bendoraitis (Dir., GLBTA Resource Center), Matthew Bruno (GLBTA Resource Center), Jack
Amoureux (SIS))
The prevalence of transgender faculty, staff and students within college environments has
significantly increased and AU is no exception. This workshop provides information about issues
faced by the transgender community and strategies for working with students in the classroom.
It will also familiarize faculty with AU resources and relevant university policies and procedures.
210: Advanced Blackboard 9
(CTRL Staff)
Already familiar with Blackboard 9 but you want to see about those new features like Blogs and
Wikis? Take an in-depth tour of some of the Blackboard Tools and Applications that you can use
with your class to encourage communication, collaboration and creativity.
2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Sessions:
301: Contributions and Challenges of Veteran Students at AU
(Charlie Fowler (Graduate Student, WCL; AU Veterans President), John Crown (Class of 2012),
Katie Gale (Class of 2011), John Kamin (Class of 2012))
A panel of students and veterans who seeks to arm the faculty and staff of American University
with the tools to address the unique needs of student veterans, and to encourage their
tremendous potential.
302: Equitable and Effective Teaching Strategies
(David Sadker, University of Arizona)
Most instructors rely only on two or three teaching strategies. But the more strategies you can
use, the more likely you are to connect with all your students. This session will focus on
exploring a variety of teaching strategies.
303: Evaluating Student Work: Reducing Your Anxiety (and Theirs)
(John Hyman (CAS-LIT), Lyn Stallings (CAS-MATH), Kimberly Cowell-Meyers (SPA))
We’ve all thought it: “I like just about everything about teaching except for the [choose colorful
adjective] grading.” In this session, we’ll talk about principles and practices of grading, offering
specific examples of rubrics and other strategies that might ease the burden.
304: Expand Your Digital Skill-Set with iMovie!
(Kelly Donnellan (CTRL), others TBA)
Do you need to add a little pizzazz to your PowerPoint? Want to bolster student engagement in
your class with a media assignment? This technology jumpstart will provide hands-on
instruction in iMovie to get you editing ASAP. Understand the challenges, rigors and rewards of
media making with this workshop.
305: How the Co-Mentorship of Teachers & Librarians Strengthens Classroom Research
Instruction
(Alison Thomas (CAS-LIT), Kelly Joyner (CAS-LIT), Chuck Cox (CAS-LIT), Patricia West (Library))
In this session, College Writing Instructors and Research Librarians will share approaches for
collaborating to teach research. They will introduce library instruction modules, demonstrate
ways to adapt them to individual classes, and solicit input about additional ways to make the
teacher-librarian partnership more fruitful.
306: How To Handle Disruptive Student Behavior
(Rosie McSweeney (Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Services), Joanne Benica (Director,
Disability Support Services), Marianne Huger (Assistant Dean of Students))
Faculty members have a significant level of interaction with students and may be called upon to
respond to a variety of disruptive behaviors. This workshop will provide a foundational
understanding of the definition of disruptive behavior, options for responding, and campus
supports for faculty.
307: Inspiring Enthusiasm and Motivation in the Classroom
(Chris Palmer, SOC)
This workshop will provide opportunities to learn various ideas for inspiring students to become
enthusiastic and eager to learn. Each participant can expect to learn several techniques for
improving their teaching ability, and for encouraging students in their classes to be more
motivated.
308: Teaching Real Students in a Virtual Age
(Bonnie Auslander (KSB), Erran Carmel (KSB), Gemma Puglisi (SOC))
Driving while texting. Interrupting conversations to check email. Scientific research on digital
distractions suggests there are limits to multitasking, yet we teach and work using multiple
digital tools. Given this tension, what are our responsibilities to our students? How can we best
model healthy relationships with technology?
309: When Values Clash: Teaching Controversial Issues
(Celine-Marie Pascale (CAS-SOCY), Sonya Grier (KSB), William Leap (CAS-ANTH), Angie Chuang
(SOC), Richard Sha (CAS-LIT))
This panel will address issues that arise in classrooms when courses deal with topics that
challenge students' strong assumptions and narrow views about the nature of social life and
issues such as sexuality, race, religion and inequality more broadly. Our discussion will address
classroom tensions between "personal" views and issues of equality.
310: Introduction to Wimba
(CTRL Staff)
"Wimba Live Classroom" is a live online classroom that works within Blackboard and offers a
real-time method for interacting with students. This workshop will walk you through the steps
to launch your own "Live Classroom" in Blackboard, and provide an overview of its uses and
hands-on practice.