CETL FLC LabCoursePedagogy
2013-2014 CETL FACULTY AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES
LABORATORY COURSE PEDAGOGY
Description, Schedule and Application Form
Facilitator(s): Dr. Nathan Winter, Department of Chemistry and Physics, College of Science
and Engineering
Definition and Purpose:
This FLC is dedicated to the specialized pedagogy related to laboratory courses. The
overarching purpose of this FLC is to explore and examine the current research and thinking of
the pedagogy of laboratory experiences with a view to incorporating some of the strategies into
the courses taught by the members.
Purpose: Specifically, the group will investigate topics such as 1) how to find and implement
ideas for new experiments, 2) methods for developing students as independent learners in both
laboratory work and experimental design, 3) issues for grading formal laboratory reports and
laboratory notebooks, 4) design of semester long laboratory projects, 5) funding for laboratory
reagents and equipment, 6) appropriate computer based activities, 7) cross disciplinary/multi
course listed collaborative labs, and any other topic that the group deems relevant.
Commitments of members:
 Members will commit to meeting with the group for work sessions regularly according to
a schedule: (Please note: the schedule below has elements that are fixed and others that
are flexible depending upon the needs of the participants.) Please mark your calendars at
the time of application for those dates that are not changeable.
o Fall Convocation Orientation and Work Session – Thursday, August 22nd , 2013,
3:00-7:00 pm. (Mark your calendars!)
o Fall 2013 – Work sessions with food every three weeks: Times to be determined.
Tentative Dates: Weeks of September 9, September 30, October 21, November
18, December 16.
o January Workshops FLC Lunch Retreat – Friday, January 10, 2014, 12:30-4:30
pm (Mark your calendars!)
o Spring 2014 - Work sessions with food every three weeks: Times to be
determined. Tentative Dates: Weeks of January 20, February 10, March 3, March
24, April 14, May 5.
 Members will commit to taking their knowledge of Laboratory Course Pedagogy back to
their Departments and/or Colleges, and sharing their knowledge and the changes they
have implemented.
 Members will present the results of their learning at the Fourth Teaching and Learning
Fair during Fall Convocation 2014.
 Members will commit to completing the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Process
by presenting the results of their learning at a regional or national conference or submit
their results in the form of a publication in order to obtain the additional reward of
professional development funds of up to $800.
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CETL FLC LabCoursePedagogy
Rewards:
 A new energized sense of community with your peer group around work, learning and
food!
 A chance to remodel your teaching!
 Recognition of your work as part of faculty evaluation, tenure, and promotion processes
and staff professional development processes. For faculty, FLCs are recognized in three
areas of the Articles 22 and 25 processes: Teaching, Research/Scholarship, and
Professional Development. Facilitators may also include FLC work as part of their
Service to the University and Community.
 Opportunity to collaborate with your peer group on a conference presentation or
publication.
 Additional professional development funds to share your scholarship with your
colleagues at a teaching and learning conference.
Note: Application form and signature page follows.
Review of Applications begins on April 15, 2013.
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CETL FLC LabCoursePedagogy
2013-2014 CETL FACULTY AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES
LABORATORY COURSE PEDAGOGY
APPLICATION FORM
Instructions: Applications may be filled out electronically and printed to obtain
signatures. Applications should be delivered to the Center for Excellence in Teaching and
Learning Office in Miller Center 310. Review of Applications begins on April 15, 2013.
The facilitators and the CETL Director will jointly select the participants from the applicant
pool. Criteria for selection will include: commitment to student learning, openness to new ideas,
level of interest in and seriousness of commitment to FLC participation, and potential for
contributions to the group. Please keep these criteria in mind as you complete the application.
Name:
Department:
College/School:
Campus Address:
Email Address:
Position:

Faculty (Check one):
_____ Probationary
_____ Tenured, not fully promoted
_____ Tenured and fully promoted
_____ Permanent, non-tenured
_____ Fixed Term in 2013-2014

Instructional Staff (Please fill in your title):
Title:
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Explain why you would like to participate in the FLC Initiative by addressing all of the following
questions. (Approximate word limit: 250 words per question.)
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
What do you believe you can gain from participating in an interdisciplinary
Faculty and Professional Learning Community? How does that tie into your
professional development plan?

What do you think you can contribute to the group?
CETL FLC LabCoursePedagogy


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What questions or issues about Laboratory Course Pedagogy are you most
interested in? (If you have found or used research related to the issues or
questions, please feel free to cite the references.)
In which Spring 2014 course are you interested in implementing the ideas from
this experience?
CETL FLC LabCoursePedagogy
2013-2014 CETL FACULTY AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES
LABORATORY COURSE PEDAGOGY
SIGNATURE PAGE
Applicant Signature
If I am selected as a participant in the Faculty and Professional Learning Community on
Laboratory Course Pedagogy I agree to participate fully in the FLC’s activities and fulfill all the
commitments.
Applicant’s Signature
__________________________________________
Name
Date
Department Chair/Director Signature
I endorse the above applicant’s participation in the Faculty and Professional Learning
Community on Laboratory Course Pedagogy and will support the implementation of the related
curricular and pedagogical work.
Signature of Applicant’s Department Chair/Director
__________________________________________
Name
Date
Dean/Supervisor Signature
I endorse the above applicant’s participation in the Faculty and Professional Learning
Community on Laboratory Course Pedagogy and will support the implementation of the related
curricular and pedagogical work.
Signature of Applicant’s Dean/Supervisor
_______________________________________________
Name
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Date