UNews - Centre for the Advancement of Excellence

Grigg named 2012 BOG Teaching Chair

trevor.kenney — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:26:06 +0000

An outstanding teacher and scholar, Lance Grigg has consistently demonstrated clear thinking and enthusiasm for the ongoing improvement of teaching and learning at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

For his continued dedication to the scholarship and practice of teaching, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is proud to appoint Grigg as a Board of Governors Teaching Chair.

A professor in the Faculty of Education, Grigg's primary areas of instruction are critical inquiry in social studies education and philosophy of education.

His teaching and research interests include: critical thinking across the curriculum, the philosophy of insight, chess in the classroom and religious education.

Grigg consistently strives to provide his students with the best teaching and learning opportunities. Students often comment on Lance Grigg's clear instruction, helpful feedback, and ability to create a positive teaching and learning environment.

One former student praised his use of discussion and inquiry to create a classroom that is both student and content centred.

Grigg has been an active member of the Centre for the Advancement of Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CAETL) since its inception. Presently a CAETL board member, he is a sought-after speaker for the Talking About Teaching events.

In CAETL activities, Grigg is an active contributor, providing knowledge and insight. His work with CAETL has included the Teaching Fellows, Graduate Student Teaching Assistant Program,Teaching Development Fund, and Talking About Teaching workshops.

His ongoing commitment to CAETL and its goals position him well for a leadership role in the Centre.

Grigg shows a consistent dedication to, and understanding of, inspirational teaching throughout the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community. He understands teaching in a variety of contexts and disciplines, and is dedicated to improving teaching practice.

He researches and practices critical thinking pedagogy, which promotes critical thinking skills and attitudes as a key aspect of student post-secondary learning.

He leads and supports colleagues in exploring beliefs and values related to teaching, and in using the pedagogy of critical thinking in teaching. Grigg embeds hisunderstanding of teaching and learning issues in a wide philosophical framework, which allows him to pursue many different perspectives.

As a Teaching Chair, Grigg plans toimplement a project on nurturing a professional thinking community. Involving professors, graduate students, and teaching assistants, this project will focus on the teaching of entry-level courses at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Though this work will emphasize first-year students' learning and thinking experiences, it will also provide insight into the success of students in subsequent years, having important implications for the recruitment and retention of future and current students.

Education begins with respect

trevor.kenney — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:04:10 +0000

A year after opening a dialogue on diversity and respect, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty Association's Gender, Equity and Diversity Caucus is looking to build upon that momentum with the 2nd Annual Respect & Diversity Awareness Week.

Running Mar. 5-9 at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, this year's theme for the weeklong conversation is "Respect and learning go hand in hand".

"Last year was great for an inaugural event," says Dr. Carly Adams, Chair of the Gender, Equity and Diversity Caucus. "We thought how it was taken up by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community was wonderful. It's a conversation that needs to be ongoing."

Events such as a Talking About Teaching panel discussion through the Centre for the Advancement of Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CAETL) spurred the campus community into thinking about how we interact with one another, in classrooms, meeting rooms and even as we walk through the hallways.

"As a faculty member who attended these talks, I thought about the issues raised and then took them into my classroom," says Adams. "I hope that others took the things they heard and tried to adapt new strategies in the ways they dealt with students or fellow faculty."

If anything, the week created an environment where issues of inclusion and respect can be discussed. It also established an awareness of the caucus and took its work to another level. In early February, the caucus played a role in the Discover Diversity conference hosted by the City of Lethbridge and co-sponsored by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

"I was really pleased we were able to be a part of that because not only did we have an opportunity to talk about the caucus but also the respect and diversity week and some of the other initiatives we're involved in," says Adams. "It led to an even wider discussion about workplace diversity and respect beyond our campus."

This year's awareness week will feature a few new additions, including an Ignite! event on Wednesday, Mar. 7 at 5 p.m. in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library (10th floor). Described as a fun, informative, rapid-fire session, participants are tasked to speak to 20 pictures or slides of their choice, all in a five-minute window of time, as they wax eloquent about diversity and/or gender.

"We're really excited about this event," says Adams. "We have a number of faculty lined up to take part, as well as people from the Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group (LPIRG) and the Students' Union. In total it's about 12 to 15 people, and it should create a really lively discussion from all the different perspectives across campus."

The line up of speakers includes Dr. Kevin McGeough (Geography), Yale Belanger (Native American Studies), Dan Johnson (Environmental Science), Carol Williams (Women and Gender Studies), Phil Jones (CAETL/Health Sciences), Marinus Swanepoel (Library), LPRIG, Shelia McManus (History), Rob Sutherland (CCBN/ULFA) and Tanya Harnett (Native American Studies/Fine Arts).

Other events for the week include a film screening of MissRepresentation, a documentary exploring how the media's misrepresentation of women has led to the underrepresentation of women in positions of power and influence. The Gender, Equity, and Diversity Caucus is joining the YWCA, Womanspace, Campus Women's Centre and LPIRG in sponsoring the film screening that takes place Thursday, Mar. 8 at 7 p.m. in Galileo's Gallery and coincides with International Women's Day.

On Friday, Mar. 9, Craig Milner from the Faculty of Management will present Student Diversity Rocks: Developing High Performance Teams in the Classroom (1 p.m., M1040).

"He's discussing diversity in teams, and how we might leverage some of the different experiences of our students in the classroom to create different conversations in groups," says Adams of the one-hour workshop.
While the week concludes with Milner's presentation, the conversation does not, and will be picked up a week later when the Department of Women & Gender Studies, with assistance from Adams' group, will present Why Women and Gender Studies? A Multigenerational Roundtable and Conversation, Friday, Mar. 16 at 2 p.m. in the Students' Union Ballroom.

"Last year, we came away thinking it was a very positive week and worth continuing," says Adams. "We invite everyone to come out for these events and I hope that this will give these important issues even more exposure."

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty Association's Gender, Equity and Diversity Caucus consists of: Andrea Amelinckx, Andrea Glover, Dr. Hester Jiskoot, Dr. Kevin McGeough, Dr. Noella Piquette, Dr. John Sheriff, Dr. Robert Sutherland, Jennifer Thannhauser and Dr. Carly Adams (Chair).

This story first appeared in the March 2012 issue of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Newberry appointed as a 2011 B.O.G. Teaching Chair

trevor.kenney — Wed, 18 May 2011 18:08:28 +0000

Dr. Jan Newberry (Anthropology) has been appointed the 2011 Board of Governors' Teaching Chair.

Newberry assumes her new responsibilities in July, which include a significant level of involvement in the U of L's Centre for the Advancement of Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CAETL), a cross-campus group that supports new and innovative learning initiatives. Newberry is no stranger to CAETL, having been a CAETL Teaching Fellow in 2010.

Dr. Jan Newberry has worked extensively with the CAETL group in the past.

"Dr. Newberry's well-known teaching abilities, combined with her excellent record of research, publication and sincere interest in engaging our students, makes her a superb asset to her department, her Faculty and our university," says Dr. Mike Mahon, U of L president. "Her plans for the next year as our Teaching Chair are exciting, and I look forward to hearing the results of her work with our faculty and students."

Newberry, who has been described as "relentless" in her pursuit of effective teaching, plans to further connect teaching and liberal education principles with changing technologies, balance the emphasis between technique, technology and ideas, and bring more information about teaching to students.

"I want to model teaching beyond the classroom by incorporating the core objectives of CAETL into a range of activities, including student-centred events hosted by the Students' Union, for example."

Newberry says that she chose to be a scholar because the world of ideas fascinated her.

"I pursued my education, including my doctoral degree, because I wanted to explain the world to myself. That desire endures for me, and I believe that is what my students respond to."

Additionally, Newberry will be involved in the development of a first-year course that integrates a liberal education perspective with service learning, and ties in with a new recruitment and retention strategy put forward by the Achievement and Learning Resources Subject Matter team.

This story first appeared in the Legend. For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Opening a dialogue of respect

trevor.kenney — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:31:04 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty Association's Gender and Diversity Caucus is looking to initiate a conversation about diversity and respect – and it wants everyone's voice to be heard.

The inaugural event, a week titled, Show Respect, Get Respect at Your U, will be held at the U of L from Mar. 7-11 as the caucus looks to get the campus thinking about how we interact with one another, in classrooms, meeting rooms and as we walk down the hallways.

"One of the things we've seen in the last 10 years is incredible growth here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ," says Dr. Hester Jiskoot, Chair of the Gender and Diversity Caucus. "It's also grown in terms of diversity, and we thought this was a positive way to talk about that diversity. We want the conversation to focus not on tolerating one another but rather on respecting each other."

The U of L campus is fertile ground for academic debate, and such debates often result in academic discovery. However, when the debate is held in an atmosphere of disrespect, nobody benefits.

"Universities are places for academic freedom, but with that freedom comes a responsibility of making choices and accepting diversity of opinion," says Jiskoot. "You don't necessarily have to agree with someone exactly, but you still have to respect the other person's opinion, traditions, culture and lifestyle, just as much as you would your own."

She explains that although there have been cases of discrimination/disrespect on campus, they are not interested in highlighting these specific instances, but rather want to address a "general feeling" among faculty members about issues of disrespect in U of L classrooms and meeting rooms. To stem such behaviour, Jiskoot says we need only look at our own Strategic Plan for guidance.

"We want people to see this more as an opportunity to enrich their own lives through diversity. Our Strategic Plan speaks to promoting and enhancing diversity and to presenting students with a welcoming environment," she says. "Everybody should feel welcome and respected for being in the classroom, both students and professors."

Dr. Carly Adams is also on the caucus, and she has seen students intimidated in the classroom, something that undermines their educational experience and what she is trying to accomplish as a professor.

"It's constantly a challenge, especially in senior level classes, to make sure there's an atmosphere where everyone's voice is respected," says Adams.

While respect in the classroom is not a new concept, the initiative of establishing a week that celebrates respect and diversity through a series of events is unique. The caucus does not know what to expect from the week, but more than anything hopes it can open up a dialogue. The group would also like to make it a recurring event that will grow in future years and include activities and events organized by undergraduate and graduate student organizations and clubs.

"We're really trying to raise awareness about all of these issues," says Adams. "We want students talking to students about how classrooms could be more diverse and more respectful places, and at the same time we want colleagues talking to one another about these issues as well."

The Centre for the Advancement of Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CAETL) is on board with a Friday, Mar. 11 Talking About Teaching session that will address the topic of respectful teaching and respectful learning. Other events include the Monday, Mar. 7 Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group film screening and a Wednesday, Mar. 9 webinar workshop.

"We're hoping that by the end of the week, people are willing and open to talk about making this a much more diverse and respectable place to be, whether it's inside or outside the classroom," says Adams.

As Jiskoot adds, it all starts with initiating the conversation.

"I think the main goal is mutual respect, understanding and gaining an awareness," she says. "Even if people don't actually go to any of the activities, at least if they start talking about it, that's a beginning."

GET THE FACTS

• The CAETL Talking About Teaching seminar features panelists Dr. Suzanne Lenon (Women's Studies), Andrea Glover (Library/FNTP), Dr. Bruce MacKay (Liberal Education) and Dr. Sameer Deshpande (Management). The session is Friday, Mar. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. in AH100.

• The LPIRG film screening of, The Experimental Eskimo, is Monday, Mar. 7 at 7 p.m., Galileo's Lounge (in the Student Union Building).

• The Wednesday, Mar. 9 webinar is titled, Diversity, Inclusivity, Civility, and runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in L1168.

• Gender and Diversity Caucus members include: Dr. Pamela Adams (Education), Dr. Carly Adams (Kinesiology and Physical Education), Ardis Anderson (Philosophy), Dr. Yale Belanger (Native American Studies), Don Gill (Art), Andrea Glover (Library), Dr. Hester Jiskoot (Geography), Dr. Rob Sutherland (Neuroscience), Dr. Janet Youngdahl (Music).

This story first appeared in the Legend. For a look at the February issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Opening a dialogue of respect

trevor.kenney — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 22:34:37 +0000

The inaugural event, a week titled, Show Respect, Get Respect at Your U, will be held at the U of L from Mar. 7-11 as the caucus looks to get the campus thinking about how we interact with one another, in classrooms, meeting rooms and as we walk down the hallways.

"One of the things we've seen in the last 10 years is incredible growth here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ," says Dr. Hester Jiskoot, Chair of the Gender and Diversity Caucus. "It's also grown in terms of diversity, and we thought this was a positive way to talk about that diversity. We want the conversation to focus not on tolerating one another but rather on respecting each other."

The U of L campus is fertile ground for academic debate, and such debates often result in academic discovery. However, when the debate is held in an atmosphere of disrespect, nobody benefits.

She explains that although there have been cases of discrimination/disrespect on campus, they are not interested in highlighting these specific instances, but rather want to address a "general feeling" among faculty members about issues of disrespect in U of L classrooms and meeting rooms. To stem such behaviour, Jiskoot says we need only look at our own Strategic Plan for guidance.

"We want people to see this more as an opportunity to enrich their own lives through diversity. Our Strategic Plan speaks to promoting and enhancing diversity and to presenting students with a welcoming environment," she says. "Everybody should feel welcome and respected for being in the classroom, both students and professors."

Dr. Carly Adams is also on the caucus, and she has seen students intimidated in the classroom, something that undermines their educational experience and what she is trying to accomplish as a professor.

"It's constantly a challenge, especially in senior level classes, to make sure there's an atmosphere where everyone's voice is respected," says Adams.

While respect in the classroom is not a new concept, the initiative of establishing a week that celebrates respect and diversity through a series of events is unique. The caucus does not know what to expect from the week, but more than anything hopes it can open up a dialogue. The group would also like to make it a recurring event that will grow in future years and include activities and events organized by undergraduate and graduate student organizations and clubs.

"We're really trying to raise awareness about all of these issues," says Adams. "We want students talking to students about how classrooms could be more diverse and more respectful places, and at the same time we want colleagues talking to one another about these issues as well."

The Centre for the Advancement of Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CAETL) is on board with a Friday, Mar. 11 Talking About Teaching session that will address the topic of respectful teaching and respectful learning. Other events include the Monday, Mar. 7 Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group film screening and a Wednesday, Mar. 9 webinar workshop.

"We're hoping that by the end of the week, people are willing and open to talk about making this a much more diverse and respectable place to be, whether it's inside or outside the classroom," says Adams.

As Jiskoot adds, it all starts with initiating the conversation.

"I think the main goal is mutual respect, understanding and gaining an awareness," she says. "Even if people don't actually go to any of the activities, at least if they start talking about it, that's a beginning."

GET THE FACTS

• The CAETL Talking About Teaching seminar features panelists Dr. Suzanne Lenon (Women's Studies), Andrea Glover (Library/FNTP), Dr. Bruce MacKay (Liberal Education) and Dr. Sameer Deshpande (Management). The session is Friday, Mar. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. in AH100.

• The LPIRG film screening of, The Experimental Eskimo, is Monday, Mar. 7 at 7 p.m., Galileo's Lounge (in the Student Union Building).

• The Wednesday, Mar. 9 webinar is titled, Diversity, Inclusivity, Civility, and runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in L1168.

• Gender and Diversity Caucus members include: Dr. Pamela Adams (Education), Dr. Carly Adams (Kinesiology and Physical Education), Ardis Anderson (Philosophy), Dr. Yale Belanger (Native American Studies), Don Gill (Art), Andrea Glover (Library), Dr. Hester Jiskoot (Geography), Dr. Rob Sutherland (Neuroscience), Dr. Janet Youngdahl (Music).

For a look at the February issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

CAETL session, Women Scholars reception, Shermer lecture on tap

trevor.kenney — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 17:32:11 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has a busy Thursday on tap today with a number of events that will pique the interests of students, staff and faculty alike.

The Centre for the Advancement of Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CAETL) is presenting a graduate student workshop on marking and grading from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Prentice Institute Meeting Room (L1102).

Dr. Nola Aitken facilitates the workshop, a hands-on practical session that will introduce graduate students to the assessment process. All graduate students are welcome to attend.

Later this afternoon, the Women Scholars Speaker Series readies to kick off its schedule with the annual Fall Wine and Cheese Reception, from 3 to 5 p.m. in Andy's Place (AH100).

The annual speaker series welcomes some of the finest female scholars to campus to address a variety of issues. This year's lineup will be introduced at the reception.

On Thursday evening, the Owen G. Holmes Lecture series begins with visiting lecturer, Michael Shermer. He'll present, Why People Believe Weird Things, 7 p.m. in PE250.

The founding publisher of Skeptic magazine, executive director of the Skeptics Society and an adjunct professor of economics at Claremont Graduate ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, Shermer penned the book, Why People Believe Weird Things in 1997 and produced a revised and expanded edition in 2002. In it, he explores a variety of so-called weird ideas, such as beliefs in UFOs, Bigfoot and paranormal activities, and how people come to be swayed by these falsehoods.

CAETL video series available

trevor.kenney — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 20:49:41 +0000

The Centre for the Advancement of Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CAETL) recently released an eight-part video series discussing the philosophy of education.

CAETL asks, what is your philosophy of education? What is the role of the instructor and of the student? Three ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty members discuss their views and passion for teaching and learning.

Featuring Dr. Robin Bright (Education), Dr. Ute Kothe (Chemistry & Biochemistry), and Dr. Hillary Rodrigues (Religious Studies), the weekly series begins Monday, Sept. 20 with, Discussion Video Series: Philosophy of Education Part I.

To view the CAETL video, click on the UNews video window below or follow this link.

Jansen discusses CAETL experience

trevor.kenney — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:17:19 +0000

Teaching and learning are fundamental to the purpose of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. To that end, the Centre for the Advancement of Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CAETL) was created to promote and sustain outstanding and inspirational teaching.

Through its commitment to scholarship, research and best practice, CAETL advances creativity, originality and discovery in teaching. It strives to promote and enhance the many tools required in the professional development of university level teachers and lecturers. This commitment to excellence in teaching ensures that, in a rapidly changing educational environment, the U of L continues to provide outstanding learning experiences for its students and faculty.

Dr. Harold Jansen, a political science professor, served as a CAETL teaching fellow over the past year, finding the experience both enlightening and rewarding. View his video as he talks about his relationship with CAETL and how it benefits the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

For more on CAETL, visit this link.

CAETL extends deadline

trevor.kenney — Mon, 03 May 2010 20:34:01 +0000

The Centre for the Advancement of Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CAETL) has extended the registration deadline for Friday's Teaching Day activities to Wednesday, May 5.

Teaching Day is to be held in Andy's Place (AH100) from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 7.

Over the past semester, CAETL experienced great success in facilitating Talking About Teaching discussion sessions. The sessions were informal and held in a discussion friendly environment. During the Talking about Teaching sessions it was discovered that faculty was very curious about their peer's teaching methods and class activities. The discussion that was produced from a small group of faculty sharing experiences around a common theme was phenomenal.

CAETL looks to make sure the same great discussion and idea sharing occurs at Teaching Day. All instructors and graduate students are welcome to attend.

Click here to RSVP.

CAETL seminar today

trevor.kenney — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:07:10 +0000

Assuming students are learning what you are trying to teach can be a disappointing exercise. The Centre for the Advancement of Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CAETL) presents a seminar dedicated to tackle that problem.

"Getting Feedback on Student Learning" is the title of the latest CAETL lecture series presentation. Conducted by Faculty of Education professor Dr. Keith Roscoe, the seminar will include a lecture, small group activities and a group discussion. It runs today, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in AH100.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ teachers who assume that students are learning what they are trying to teach during the semester are often disappointed when they grade exams and assignments, discovering that students weren't "getting it" after all. By the time midterms, final exams or term papers are submitted it is often too late to remedy their gaps in learning.

To avoid such unpleasant surprises, university teachers and their students need better ways to monitor learning throughout the semester. This seminar explores a range of strategies for promoting an ongoing flow of information about student learning and teaching effectiveness in classes.

For more information about this seminar, click on this CAETL link.

UNews - Centre for the Advancement of Excellence

Grigg named 2012 BOG Teaching Chair

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