In April, the Department of English and the Drake Institute co-sponsored a two-hour, hybrid mini-conference for Associated Faculty. The event provided a valuable opportunity for 18 Associated Faculty participants from the Department of English to build camaraderie, engage in collaborative learning, and take part in teaching-focused professional development.
The event featured lecturers who shared their expertise on various teaching topics. The following podium presentations were especially applicable to courses taught by the Associated Faculty attendees:
- Garrett Cummins, “Evidence Checking of Online Sources: A More Efficient Way to Do Source Evaluation."
- Christiane Buuck, “Research as a Team Sport: Testing a Way to Teach Scholarly Research to First-Year Students."
- Guy Spriggs, “Future Me Thanks Me: How Comment Banks Encourage Personalized Feedback (and Save Time!)”
Following the presentations, the event shifted to a Q&A session during which participants discussed how their teaching experiences overlap and shared tips for effective instruction.
After the mini-conference, several participants expressed their gratitude for the positive experience and the knowledge, collaboration, and support of their colleagues. Many thanks to the Associated Faculty members who coordinated this meaningful learning opportunity: Paige Mason, Calvin Olsen, Drake Institute Affiliate Jenny Patton, Angie Romines, Shaun Russell, and Cathy Ryan. The team proposed and planned the mini-conference, including the promotions and communications, review of presentation abstracts, and event logistics and technology needs.