Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum (CTAC)
2011-12 Mini-Seminars
Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum (CTAC) is based on the assumption that thinking is a process that can be
understood and improved through proper study and practice. Faculty will explore the cognitive process and develop
assignments that help students develop higher order thinking, problem-solving and reasoning abilities.
Two Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum Mini-Seminars will be offered in 2011-12, one in Fall I and the other in
Fall II. Both will conclude with two meetings in Spring 2012.
In Fall I or Fall II 2011, participants will develop assignments that integrate critical thinking skill-building activities
into a targeted course; in Spring 2012, participants will pilot those assignments in the targeted course, and
participate in evaluation activities that measure the effectiveness of course activities/initiatives. Participants will be
introduced to the new ePortfolio system, and encouraged to engage students in the use of ePortfolios to share and
reflect on critical thinking assignments.
Led by Professor John Chaffee, a national leader in the field of intellectual development, the Critical Thinking Across
the Curriculum Mini-Seminar will include bi-weekly seminar meetings, classroom experimentation with new
approaches, including ePortfolio, creation of assignments that help students develop critical thinking skills, and
reflective discussion.
This mini-seminar is designed to support enhanced teaching effectiveness and to create opportunities for
participants to make significant contributions to key College-wide goals identified in the LaGuardia Strategic Plan.
These goals include: advance faculty development to support excellent teaching; strengthen general education,
including the interdisciplinary focus on core competencies, holistic assessment, and the use of ePortfolio as an
integrative learning tool; and, improve student learning as mandated by the CUNY Campaign for Success.
ELIGIBILITY
The program is open to full-time faculty and CLTs from the division of Academic Affairs. Adult and Continuing
Education staff are also welcome, and will receive an application under separate cover. Part-time faculty who have
long-term teaching histories at LaGuardia are also eligible. Due to funding requirements, preference will be given to
faculty who teach a capstone course or any course that is required for degree completion by any vocational
program.
Applicants must:
1. Be available and committed to attendance at all seminars (see Mini-Seminar schedules below);
2. Submit the application and a one page statement (see below); and
3. Obtain the signature of their departmental chairperson or program director.
SEMINAR SCHEDULE
Monday afternoons from 2:30 – 4:30 on the dates listed below. Participants should arrange with their department
chairs to be free of teaching responsibilities after 2:15 pm on Mondays either in Fall I or Fall II, and in Spring I.
Participants from both the Fall 1 and Fall 2 groups will all meet together for two sessions in Spring 2012. When
signing up, please select either Fall 1 or Fall 2.
Fall 1 meetings: 9/12, 10/3, 10/24, 11/14, and 12/5, or
Fall 2 meetings: 1/9, 1/17, 1/23, 1/30, and 2/6
All participants will also attend two Spring 1 meetings - 3/12 and 5/14
DEADLINE
Return application to Ros Orgel at the LaGuardia Center for Teaching and Learning by April 28, 2011. If you would
like to send the application electronically, please attach it to an email to roslyno@lagcc.cuny.edu . Please be sure
to also mail a copy of the application form with your signature and the signature of your chairperson or
department head to Room M-414.
INQUIRIES: For more information, contact John Chaffee, x5699, chaffeejo@lagcc.cuny.edu
Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum – 2011-12
p. 1/3
Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum Mini-Seminar Application 2011-12
NAME________________________ DEPARTMENT/DIVISION______________
TITLE (POSITION)_________________________________________________
OFFICE________EXTENSION____________________EMAIL_____________
COURSE(S) YOU PROPOSE TO ENHANCE:
ARE YOU APPLYING TO ANY OTHER CTL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM(S)? _________ IF SO, WHICH
PROGRAM(S)? ____________________
I certify the following:
1. I commit to taking an active part in the program as detailed in the seminar schedule, during which I will:





Participate in all regular seminar meetings during the 2011-12 academic year;
Learn about, experiment with, and integrate critical thinking strategies into a targeted course
curriculum;
Experiment with ways to incorporate ePortfolio as a tool for deepening students critical thinking
skills;
Pilot, test, and revise course syllabus of a targeted course; and,
Participate in documentation activities designed to assess the impact of the program on learning
and teaching at LaGuardia.
2. Attach a short statement (2-3 paragraphs) in response to the following questions: Why are you interested in
taking this mini-seminar? What is your current approach to integrating critical thinking skills development in your
classes? What challenges are you currently experiencing?
We ask that before signing this application, both the applicant and the chairperson or program director please
take careful note of seminar dates and times. We expect faculty participants to honor these dates and times as a
professional commitment, significant to their own learning, the collective success of the seminar, and its value to
the College. Seminars are rich in activities, discussions and collegial sharing. It is crucial that all participants
coordinate their 2011-12 schedules with chairs or directors in order to be able to attend on time and be present
for each seminar. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and for your interest in the Critical Thinking Across
the Curriculum Mini-Seminar.
Signature of applicant ___________________________Date_____________
Signature of Chairperson _________________________Date_____________
Or Program Director
Return to Ros Orgel – M414 by April 28, 2011
Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum – 2011-12
p. 2/3
Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum 2011-12
Application Essay
Please write a one-page essay that helps us understand your interest in taking part in this program. You may
address the following questions in your essay.
 How would you summarize your philosophy or approach to learning and teaching?
 What interests you about CTAC? What aspect or area of critical thinking skills building would you like to
explore as a participant in this program?
 Based on what you know, what do you see as the advantages and challenges of integrating skill-building in
critical thinking into your course curriculum?
Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum – 2011-12
p. 3/3