CTE Newsletter - Nov/Dec 2003 (Vol 16, No 2)
CTE Semester Roundup
Morrill Hall Fundraising Continues
The campaign to raise funds for remodeling Morrill Hall has passed the $5 million mark, with nearly $5.5 million raised so far. As one of Morrill's proposed tenants, CTE has been meeting often and working with the project's architects, RDG Bussard Dikis, regarding plans for the building. In its new location, the CTE promises to be an exciting gathering place for faculty.
Assessing Student Learning Workshop Series
 |
| Assessment Series Participants represented a variety of departments and disciplines |
Fourteen departments and programs across the university participated in the CTE workshop series, "Assessing Student Learning: Is Your Department Up to Speed?" Mary Huba, professor of ELPS, facilitated this workshop, which was intended to help faculty develop and strengthen assessment procedures in their departments. The teams in attendance reviewed the history of learning-based outcomes assessment, established learning goals, aligned courses and course content with the stated learning goals, and planned various methods to measure results and complete the assessment cycle. The teams' overall goal was to develop a more learning-centered approach to assessment as well as to prepare for the Higher Learning Commission's institutional accreditation visit in Fall 2005.
CTE 10th Anniversary Celebration Dinners
 |
| Barb Licklider inspires us with her stories |
 |
| Brad Shrader intrigues us with his use of case studies in teaching |
The CTE has been celebrating its tenth anniversary with a dinner and speaker series this semester, and is pleased to recognize some of the university's nationally honored teachers through these events. In September, Barb Licklider, Associate Professor in Education, spoke on "The Stories We Tell" in the process of becoming educators. Her very moving talk combined reflections on teaching with funny, challenging, and inspiring moments in her career as a student and teacher. In November, Brad Shrader, Professor of Management, spoke about his philosophy of teaching and made the case for teaching with case studies in the College of Business and elsewhere. This series will continue on Wednesday, January 28, from 5:30 - 8 p.m. in the Memorial Union Gallery, when the speaker will be J. Herman Blake, Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and Director of the African-American Studies Program.
How to Prevent Academic Dishonesty
"Preventing Academic Dishonesty" was the theme of a discussion-oriented CTE workshop in October. Representatives of several departments and programs spoke on how clear communication, explicit expectations, and careful planning can prevent instances of academic dishonesty. Douglas King, Professor of Health and Human Performance, outlined how departmental learning goals can raise expectations of academic integrity, and Debora Christensen, Graduate Assistant and Coordinating TA in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, explained how clear expectations outlined in the course syllabus can help prevent instances of dishonesty. Two assignments that encourage honesty as well as student learning were described by Nancy Grudens-Schuck, Assistant Professor in Agricultural Education and Studies, while Rebecca Jackson, Head of the ISU Library's Social Sciences and Humanities Department, explained the many resources available to help instructors detect and deter plagiarism. Bethany Schuttinga, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Judicial Affairs, described the process for, and reasons behind, reporting instances of student dishonesty.
VetMed's Diagnostic Pathfinder
 |
| Holly Bender demonstrates Diagnostic Pathfinder |
A software program that encourages students to think logically and thoroughly about diagnosis in veterinary pathology was featured in a CTE workshop in September. Holly Bender, Associate Professor, and Jared Danielson, Lecturer, in the Department of Veterinary Pathology, presented the "Diagnostic Pathfinder" and explained how it uses principles of instructional design in helping students to gather and analyze clinical laboratory data. The ideas behind the Pathfinder can be applied in many fields, especially fields in which careful assessment of data is required for problem solving and decision-making. According to the team using the Pathfinder, the program measurably improves learning outcomes. Learn more about the Pathfinder and the research program in the Department of Veterinary Pathology here.
Helping Students Communicate What They Know
 |
| Holly Bender demonstrates Diagnostic Pathfinder |
More than two dozen instructors attended the CTE's November workshop, "Can Your Students Communicate What They Know? Communication Assignments That Fit Any Teacher's Needs," featuring several ISUComm communication consultants, including Rebecca Burnett, University Professor in English; Jim Noland, Adjunct Instructor in English; Mark Redmond, Associate Professor in the Greenlee School; Connie Ringlee, Lecturer in English; and Denise Vrchota, Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Greenlee School. The presenters offered tips and ideas for communication activities and assignments that can be used in any discipline. Those in attendance moved from table to table to sample ideas for classroom activities in written, oral and visual communication. The general focus was on communication activities that enhance student learning without being overly time-consuming for the instructor. You can learn more by visiting the ISUComm webpage. Or if you would like to speak directly with an ISUComm consultant, contact Denise Vrchota, 294-0501.