Center for Teaching and Learning Has New Space
The Center for Teaching and Learning has a new and larger space that reflects its broader mission. It is located in room 106 of the Learning Resources Center. The CTL will continue to support NMU’s instructional technology tools such as NMU EduCat™, iClickers, podcasting/web conferencing and audio/visual equipment installed in campus learning spaces. But its emphasis has expanded beyond technology to a teaching-centric initiative that includes a suite of services to help faculty members more effectively design and deliver their courses.
“The goal of the CTL is to facilitate excellence in instruction,” said Leslie Warren (Academic Information Services). “That includes support related to pedagogy, classroom management, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. There will be more workshops, programs and special events than this office has ever provided before.”
There will also be a network for new hires and early-career faculty to help acclimate them to the campus teaching environment.
Matt Smock (Instructional Design and Technology) described the features of the new location: “There is a consultation area, casual seating area, dedicated workshop space and an office for the teaching and learning scholar, which is a part-time, two-year appointment.”
Jill Leonard (Biology) occupies the teaching and learning scholar’s office. She said the new space is more welcoming and comfortable than the former location in room 128. She encourages faculty to explore the services offered at the CTL.
“Maybe they’re thinking about doing something different in the classroom or improving a specific aspect of their teaching. They don’t have to commit to something big. It pays to stop by and see how we can help. They can also find inspiration in what colleagues are doing through our “Faculty Focus” videos. Each video focuses on what one faculty member is doing in the classroom—from what works well to what mistakes were made that others can learn from. These videos and lots of other great resources are available on the CTL website.”
A ribbon-cutting was held last week with Provost Paul Lang and staff members. A reception followed with food and beverages from Fieras. Upcoming events sponsored by the CTL include an Oct. 31 visit from Karl Gude, a Michigan State University professor and former creative director at Newsweek. He will lead sessions on creative teaching techniques and infographics at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., respectively, in Jamrich 1320. There will also be a repeat of last year’s successful active course design institute Dec. 17-19. For more information, visit www.nmu.edu/ctl.