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January 2025

Hello everyone, and Happy New Year from the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence! I hope you had a restful holiday and I look forward to connecting with you in the coming semester during one of our Spring 2025 workshops, programs, or Lunch and Learns.

RECOMMENDED READINGS AND RESOURCES

What’s your plan for the first day of class? These online readings and resources have some great ideas for starting strong:

To set the stage for productive and positive class meetings this semester, I recommend prioritizing three things during the first week of class: 1.) Check to make sure every student understands class policies regarding academic integrity and the use of generative AI. 2.) Learn and use student names and help students learn each other’s names. 3.) Co-create (with students) classroom community agreements or ground rules for class meetings. For tips and ideas, visit these CTLE Resource pages:

This semester, every CTLE newsletter will include resources and readings that focus on inclusive teaching and learning, starting with our Equity-Minded and Inclusive Teaching Resources page! This month, as you finalize your syllabi, I recommend carefully considering issues of equity and inclusion when crafting your attendance policies. Find resources here:

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Workshop: Assignments and Assessments in the Age of AI

This workshop will engage participants in 1.) discussing how to clearly communicate with students about assignment and/or class policies regarding AI; 2.) reflecting on how two researched-based effective assessment practices–transparency and scaffolding assignments–facilitate authentic student learning and encourage academic integrity; 3.) exploring some examples of assignments that incorporate the use of generative AI. The CTLE will be offering four sessions, two via Zoom and two on-site, of this new workshop. Facilitated by Jessamyn Neuhaus. Space is limited to 15 participants for each session, and there are still some spaces available in each session.

  • January 8, 9:00-10:15 a.m., Zoom
  • January 10, 1:00-2:15 p.m., Zoom
  • January 14, 1:00-2:15 p.m., 550 Bird Library (CTLE)
  • January 15, 3:00-4:15 p.m., 550 Bird Library (CTLE)

Register Here

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Workshop: Classroom Phone/Device Policies

It’s a vexing issue for every instructor: The almost irresistible distractions of phones and devices that can interfere with student engagement and learning. While there is no easy solution or one-size-fits-all strategy, some classroom policies are more effective than others, particularly when we want to promote an inclusive, welcoming classroom learning environment. In this workshop, we’ll discuss the challenges of cultivating attention in the classroom and explore options for phone and device policies that can build trust, facilitate student self-efficacy, and reduce our own frustration.

  • January 8, 3:00-4:00 p.m., Zoom
  • January 10, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Zoom

Register Here

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Discussion and Idea-Sharing Sessions: Teaching in Divisive Times

If you are feeling uncertain and a bit nervous about what kinds of classroom challenges and “hot moments” lie ahead in the wake of the presidential election, you are not alone! The CTLE is hosting brainstorming/idea-sharing/support sessions for any instructor unsure of how to best navigate the potentially tense classroom situations that might arise around and after the inauguration. Come strategize, share your wisdom of experience, or just get some support and encouragement. We’ll also provide a few recommended short readings to take with you, and links to online teaching resources. Zoom and on-site sessions offered, facilitated by Jessamyn Neuhaus.

  • January 14, 2025, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Zoom
  • January 17, 2025, 9:30-10:30 a.m., 550 Bird Library (CTLE)
  • January 21, 2025, 5:00-6:00 p.m., Zoom

Register here

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Program: Exploring the Use of AI in Teaching

Dr. Joon Park, Meredith Professor at the School of Information Studies and Jessamyn Neuhaus, CTLE Director, will be co-facilitating a monthly community group for up to twenty Syracuse University participants from any discipline, including instructors, staff, and graduate students with teaching responsibilities. No prior expertise in AI is required to join; our focus is on curiosity, discussion, and shared learning. We will explore the comprehensive strategies described in Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning, by José Antonio Bowen and C. Edward Watson. Dr. Park will also introduce additional resources and activities aligned with his Meredith teaching theme, AI-augmented education. Meetings will be held in person at 550 Bird Library (CTLE).

  • January 30, 2:00-3:15 p.m.
  • February 13, 2:00-3:15 p.m.
  • March 20, 2:00-3:15 p.m.
  • April 17, 2:00-3:15 p.m.

Light refreshments will be provided and everyone who signs up will receive a free copy of the book. Space is limited but there are still a few spots left.

Register here

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Community Book Club: Academic Ableism: Disability and Higher Education

The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) invites the Syracuse University community to participate in a book club discussion of Jay Dolmage’s Academic Ableism: Disability and Higher Education. Academic Ableism explores how disability is created and treated in higher education. It also considers the impact of accommodation processes, architecture, and popular culture, and argues that building more inclusive universities provides everyone with a better education.

CTLE will facilitate two Academic Ableism book club meetings led by Professor True-Frost and Professor Macfarlane. Space is limited to 12 for each group. Please sign up by January 13, 2025.

Book discussion for faculty and staff
February 6, 2025
12:00-1:00 p.m.
College of Law, Room TBD

Book discussion for students
February 13, 2025
12:00-1:00 p.m.
College of Law, Room TBD

Sign up to participate in one of the book club events here.

Academic Ableism is available in open access. If you are unable to use the open access version or simply prefer a print copy, one will be provided. Simply indicate that preference during registration.

Save the Date! On March 6, 2025, the College of Law will host a webinar featuring Dr. Dolmage. Information about that event will follow. We hope you will join us for an important and lively discussion about disability in higher education!

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Lunch and Learn Series: How I Make My Teaching More Inclusive

Small tweaks to course design and classroom activities can have a big impact on making our classes inclusive. In February, the CTLE and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion is co-sponsoring a brand-new series of informal Lunch and Learn discussions, with guest speakers sharing how they make their course materials accessible, encourage student belonging, and maximize opportunities for student learning and success. Space is limited to 10 participants per session, so sign up for a Lunch and Learn today! All sessions are 12:00-1:30 p.m. in 550 Bird Library (CTLE).

February 7
Rusty Bartels, Associate Teaching Professor in Writing Studies, Rhetoric, and Composition

February 11
Duane Graysay, Associate Professor of Mathematics Education

February 19
Patrick Berry, Associate Professor in Writing Studies, Rhetoric, and Composition

February 24
William Robert, Professor of Religion

Register here

STUDENTS CONSULTING ON TEACHING (SCOT)

One of the most important ways the CTLE supports teaching and learning at SU is through our Students Consulting on Teaching (SCOT) program. SCOT is a short-term partnership between a faculty member and a student consultant trained to help faculty gather learner feedback. The purpose is to support faculty in making small, meaningful teaching changes informed by both broad research on learning and student feedback in a specific course. Instructors and students consistently report that SCOT is a uniquely effective way to gain insights, build skills, and improve teaching and learning in the classroom. Learn more about the SCOT program here. Are you ready to partner with a Student Consultant for the Spring 2025 semester? Space is limited so sign up now! SCOT Faculty Sign-up Form. Questions? Contact our SCOT coordinator and Faculty Development Fellow, Jacques Safari Mwayaona (mjsafari@syr.edu).

SU SCHOLARSHIP OF TEACHING AND LEARNING (SoTL)

Did you know that faculty colleagues across the University are conducting research on teaching and learning? Studies range from exploring learning in newly designed courses to focusing on specific classroom and science laboratory strategies. The CTLE wants to celebrate this important work in future newsletters. If you are publishing and/or presenting original research on any aspect of college teaching and learning, please let us know! ctle@syr.edu

REQUESTING A CTLE INDIVIDUAL OR DEPARTMENT CONSULTATION

In addition to our public programs and workshops, we at the CTLE will meet one-on-one, and with small groups, and with departments/programs for personalized and customized consultations on any topic related to teaching and learning. All individual consultations are confidential and voluntary, and only upon request from the individual. If you believe that a friend, co-worker, or colleague would benefit from a consultation with the CTLE, please have them reach out to us! You can share the link to the CTLE Contact Us page, which includes a simple consultation request form. We do not initiate consultations with individuals at the behest of a third party such as Chairs or Deans, and we do not share any identifying information about consultations or participation in our public events with any other office, department, program, or individual.

I am also available to facilitate department discussions about teaching-related issues and share selected resources with your department members. For example, in preparation for what is sure to be a divisive and fraught presidential inauguration, it could be useful for your department members to discuss together what kinds of classroom practices students find helpful and not helpful after major and potentially upsetting national or local events. Just let me know via our Request a Consultation form that you’d like me to visit your department.

STAY IN TOUCH

I hope you’ll share this newsletter with any friends or colleagues who might be interested, and if you know someone who might like to join our mailing list, here’s a link to the sign-up form: CTLE Mailing List Sign-Up.

Jessamyn Neuhaus, Director
janeuhau@syr.edu