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Research Academy for University Learning

2011-2012 Events (click on name to jump to event)

Tuesday, March 6, 2012 - Exploring Concepts of Mindful Learning

Time: 1:00PM - Location Sprague Library Room 031 (lower level)

Dr. Cigdem Talgar will introduce the work of Dr. Ellen Langer and her book "The Power of Mindful Learning" (Perseus, 1997) to foster a discussion of how the concept of mindfulness applied to teaching practice can inform classroom discussion, student engagement, and create an effective and broader sense of context, an awareness of the persistence of self-imposed limitations, and methods of creative learning for students. Those familiar with the concepts of mindful learning and those curious to learn more will appreciate an overview of Langer's dialogue on mindfulness, student engagement and motivation, as well as examples of how these concepts can be applied to the classroom. Copies of Langer's book are available in the library for loan. For more information on Dr. Langer and her work, please visit: http://www.ellenlanger.com/

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Friday, March 23, 2012 - Provost's Series on University Teaching and Learning Guest Speaker Dr. Cecelia Tichi

Time: 2:00 - 3:30PM - Location UH 1010

Title: Challenges of Teaching in an Era of Suspicion and Scorn of Higher Education

Cecelia Tichi is the author of eleven books, including mystery novels and nonfiction. She is the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of English and Professor of American Studies at Vanderbilt University and the winner of the Jay B. Hubbell Medal for lifetime achievement in American literature.

Cecelia's recent books and public presentations explore the relation of citizen activism to progressive social change in the United States. Her Exposes and Excess: Muckraking in America 1900/2000 (2004) showed how corrective civic action is inspired by vibrant writers' fact-filled narratives that expose special interests' and governmental damage and dishonesty. Her newest book, Civic Passions: Seven Who Launched Progressive America (And What They Teach Us) tells the story of seven Americans of the Gilded Age—three men and four women—who laid the foundation for human rights in modem democratic America.

Description: Dr. Tichi's talk draws upon classroom work that extends over four decades, from tutorials and seminars to auditoriums filled with hundreds of students (and platoons of graduate assistants needing guidance in grading and leading discussion sections). The discussion will focus on the challenges of teaching in this era of suspicion of (and even scorn for) higher education, an era when critical thinking takes a back seat to practical skills and the economy casts a dark shadow over students and teachers alike. She will emphasize teaching as an act of hope for the future.

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Wednesday, March 28 - Contemplative Pedagogy: Best Practices

Time: 2:30PM - Location Sprague Library Room 031 (lower level)

All Montclair State faculty and staff are invited to join us as we explore best practices in Contemplative Pedagogy, a holistic approach to thoughtful teaching, mindful awareness, and curricular development. In this interactive workshop, Dr. David Lee Keiser further discuss the field, including current research, ongoing practice, and programs at other institutions, including The University of Michigan, Brown and Vanderbilt Universities, The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society and The Garrison Institute. There will be ample time for discussion and modeling of secular contemplative practices. There will be exciting opportunities for further development of Contemplative Pedagogy projects and programs at MSU that can affect student learning, motivation, and classroom dynamics.

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Friday, April 13, 2012 - Black, White, and Everything in Between --Expanding our Socio-Cultural Consciousness in the Classroom

Time: 10:00AM - 1:00PM - Location SC 411-414

Purpose: Assist faculty in exploring issues of diversity in their classrooms.

    By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
  • Demonstrate multicultural awareness, knowledge and skills.
  • Implement pedagogical activities that engage students in critically analyzing discipline-specific theory and practice using multicultural curriculum theory, standards, and strategies.
  • Employ instructional strategies (lecture, demonstration, discussion, small groups) that support complex and challenging multicultural learning.
  • Develop culture-centered instructional activities.
Facilitators: Milton A. Fuentes, Psy.D. and Silvia Pastor, Ph.D.
This workshop is open to all MSU instructors.

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May 2, 2012 - 3rd Annual University Learning and Teaching Showcase

The Research Academy is proud to announce keynote speaker Rhonda Roland Shearer, Founder and Director of the Art Science Research Laboratory, editor-in-chief, publisher, iMediaEthics.org, adjunct lecturer, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Iowa, will present "How to do Interdisciplinary Studies: Moving from Sound Philosophy to Practice."

The Creative Research Center in the College of the Arts at Montclair State University www.montclair.edu/creativeresearch will cover the Third Annual Showcase on Teaching and Learning. Dr. Neil Baldwin, Director of the CRC, will serve as rapporteur for the day's proceedings; his comprehensive essay will be published online in early May 2012 at https://blogs.montclair.edu/crdirector/

For more information: Click Here...

**UPDATE** For highlights of the 3rd Annual University Learning and Teaching Showcase, please follow the link here...

**UPDATE** For highlights of the 3rd Annual Physics and Art Photo Competition, please click here...

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Montclair State University Faculty Teaching Circles

    Spring 2012 Dates and Times:
  • Friday, February 17, 2012 - 1:00pm
  • Friday, March 30, 2012 - 3:00pm
  • Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 2:30pm
The Research Academy for University Learning would like to invite all faculty and staff to participate in Teaching Circles, a series of informal discussion meetings scheduled for the Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 semesters. Read More...
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