Boise State Teaching Scholars
Writing in the Disciplines and Across the Curriculum
Description
Writing and learning are inextricably connected. Students write across their undergraduate years, in a
range of courses within Foundational Studies, and they also write within their disciplines as their
expertise deepens. Research indicates that we can support students’ development both through
using a variety of active and inquiry-based learning approaches and through enhancing students’
meta-awareness of similarities across writing occasions. To better understand how writing can
facilitate learning, we will ask:
 How can we use writing to deepen students’ disciplinary knowledge?
 How can we use writing to connect our courses (via Foundational Studies and/or within the
major) to build a more cohesive and intentional experience for students?
Participants in this Boise State Teaching Scholar community will explore research on disciplinary
writing, the relationship between writing and learning, and how to teach for the transfer of
knowledge across courses. Participants will be expected to try some aspects of current practices for
teaching writing in their courses in the fall and spring semesters. Cohort members will also observe
a fellow participant’s teaching.
This group will be facilitated by Heidi Estrem, Associate Professor, Department of English
Expectations
 Meetings:
Scholars participating in this group will meet twice a month from August 2015 through May
2016. Meetings will be held on Fridays from 11:45am-1:30pm.
 Teaching and Learning Projects:
Each Scholar will conduct a scholarly teacher-research project aimed at advancing
understanding of what works to improve student learning with, about, or through writing.
Scholars will implement their project during the 2015-2016 academic year, participate in a
poster session in Spring 2016, and provide a final report of the outcomes.
 Peer Observation:
Each Scholar will observe at least one other Teaching Scholar during the year of the
community. The goal of the observation is to provide a catalyst for discussion and an
opportunity to learn how a faculty member from a different discipline engages students in
writing – either as a tool for deepening learning or as a disciplinary practice.
 Teaching Log
Each scholar will keep a regular teaching log during the 2015-2016 academic year.
Benefits
 Professional expenses
 Each Teaching Scholar will receive up to $500 for professional expenses.

Community
 A major component of the Boise State Teaching Scholars program is to foster community
for faculty across disciplines. Regular meetings and opportunities for social interaction are
built into the program.
Eligibility
 Full-time and part-time faculty members who have been teaching at Boise State for at least one
year (2 semesters) are eligible to apply for Teaching Scholars positions. Part-time faculty are
expected have plans to teach at Boise State during both semesters of the 14-15 academic year.
 Both faculty who have participated in previous Writing Across the Curriculum institutes or
workshops as well as those who are new to considering how to teach disciplinary writing are
welcome. We especially encourage applications from faculty who teach Communication
in the Disciplines, Finishing Foundations, and other courses within the major that are
writing-intensive.
Application
 Your application indicates you can meet the expectations described above.
 Applications are due to the CTL (ILC 315, MS 1005) by 5pm on April 10, 2015.
Selection and First Meeting
 The Boise State Teaching Scholars for Writing in the Disciplines will consist of 6-8 participants.
 Selections will be announced via email by Friday April 17, 2015.
 The opening retreat for this group will be held on Friday, May 8, 2015 from 3:00-4:30pm. Please
keep this date open in case your application is selected.
Sponsor
The Boise State Teaching Scholars is sponsored by the Center for Teaching and Learning.
Questions?
Questions can be directed to Thomas Atkins at the Center for Teaching and Learning
(thomasatkins@boisestate.edu or x6-4610)
Text:
This BSTS group will begin with the following text as a resource, and will draw upon other
resources as the interests of the group dictate:
 Linda Adler-Kassner and Elizabeth Wardle (eds), Naming What We Know: Threshold Concepts of
Writing Studies
 John Bean, Engaging Ideas, 2nd edition
Potential Topics to Explore:
The following is a list of topics this group might explore. It is not exhaustive. The group will
determine those topics to be chosen for investigation and discussion by this BSTS community.
Additional resources will be provided by the facilitators or will be located by group members.





Using writing to connect courses identified under Undergraduate Learning Outcome 1,
Written Communication (English 101/102, UF 200, CID, FF)
Writing and inquiry-based learning in advanced disciplinary courses
Writing and inquiry-based learning in large, introductory, and/or unique courses
Writing and transfer
Threshold concepts for writing across campus and in disciplines
Writing in the Disciplines and Across the Curriculum
Schedule of Meetings
May
2015
August 2015
September
2015
Opening Retreat
Friday, May 8, 2015, 3:00-4:30 pm
Welcome to the Boise State Teaching Scholars
Friday, August 28, 2015: 11:45 am - 1:30 pm1
Friday, September 11, 2015: 11:45am-1:30pm
Friday, September 25, 2015: 11:45am-1:30pm
Friday, October 9, 2015: 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
October 2015 Friday, October 23, 2015: 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
Friday, October 30, 2015: 11:45 am – 1:30 pm
November
Friday, November 20, 2015: 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
2015
Friday, December 4, 2015: 11:45 am – 1:30 pm
December
2015
January
2016
Friday, January 15, 2016: 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
February
2016
Friday, February 12, 2016: 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
Friday, January 29, 2016: 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
Friday, February 26, 2016: 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
March
2016
Friday, March 11, 2016: 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
April
2016
Friday, April 8, 2016: 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
EOY Poster
Session
1
Sunday, December 6, 2015 – 6:00 pm
Pot-luck Holiday Gathering at Heidi’s house
spouses, SOs, and families invited
Friday, April 1, 2016: 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
Friday, April 22, 2016: 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
Friday, April 29, 2016: 12:00 – 2pm
End of Year Luncheon and Poster Session
Participants are welcome to bring lunch to the regular meetings.
Boise State Teaching Scholars
Writing in the Disciplines and Across the Curriculum
Application for 2015-2016
Please bring or send completed form to:
Center for Teaching and Learning, ILC 315, MS 1005
Submission Deadline: 5pm, Friday, April 10, 2015.
(A selection committee will review all applications and notification will be sent by Friday, April 17, 2015 with the
first meeting occurring on Friday, May 8, 2015 from 3:00-4:30 pm in ILC 315)
Name:
Department:
College:
Office Phone:
Email:
Rank:
Total Years Teaching:
Total Years at Boise State:
For Fall 2015, please list the courses you are teaching (with enrollments).
For Spring 2016, please indicate the courses you will likely be teaching, with expected
enrollments.
What do you believe you can gain from participating in this faculty learning community?
What perspectives, abilities, and experiences, do you expect you can contribute to this group?
What are your biggest challenges or questions about teaching writing within your discipline or
courses?
Applicant’s Signature
I am able to meet twice each month on Friday from 11:45am-1:30pm during the Fall 2015 and
Spring 2016 semesters.
YES
NO
If I am selected as a participant in this community, I agree to participate fully in the community’s
activities, including the associated investigations, readings, projects, and reports. I will
participate in sharing the things I learn with faculty outside the community.
__________________________________________
Signature
__________
Date
Department Chair’s Signature
I endorse the above applicant’s participation in the Boise State Teaching Scholars and will
support the implementation of the curricular and pedagogical work completed.
I understand that this community involves a full-year commitment. If the applicant is an adjunct
faculty member or a graduate student, I verify the applicant has been teaching at Boise State for
at least two semesters and will be teaching at Boise State during Fall 2014 and Spring 2015
semesters.
I will work to schedule the participant’s teaching commitments to avoid the Friday 11:45am1:30pm time frame.
__________________________________________
Signature
__________
Date