Teaching Development Workshops
Fall/Spring 2024–2025
Workshop 1: “Rethinking the Lecture: Engaging Students through Microlearning and Active Learning”
Friday, February 7, 2025, 12–1:30 p.m.
The goal of this workshop is to help faculty transform traditional lectures into dynamic, student-centered learning experiences by incorporating active learning and microlearning techniques. We will discuss the limits of the traditional lecture format and then introduce microlearning and active learning strategies. Finally, we will spend time brainstorming ways to incorporate more microlearning and active learning into your courses.
Workshop 2: “Gamifying the Classroom: Strategies for Engaging Students through Play”
Friday, March 7, 2025, 12–1:30 p.m.
The goal of this workshop is to explore the potential of gamification in the classroom to increase motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes by integrating game mechanics into course design. We will explain gamification principles—how game mechanics can be used to make learning more engaging. Finally, panelists will help in identifying ways to incorporate games and game theory into the classroom.
Workshop 3: “Harnessing Interactive Technology: Tools to Revolutionize Classroom Engagement”
Friday, April 4, 2025, 12–1:30 p.m.
The goal of this workshop is to introduce faculty to interactive digital tools that can enhance student participation and learning. ACS and Media Resources will give an overview of various interactive digital tools that are currently available at Vassar. Faculty will be given the opportunity to experience these tools firsthand by participating in an interactive class simulation.
Workshop 4: “Beyond Grades: Exploring Alternative Assessments to Foster Meaningful Learning”
Friday, April 25, 2025, 12–1:30 p.m.
This workshop challenges faculty to rethink traditional grading practices and explore alternative assessment models that emphasize learning over letter grades.
Past Workshops
Workshop: Addressing Anxiety in College Students without Compromising Academic Standards and Rigor Faculty Workshop
The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Paul Foxman
Workshop: Walking Under Ladders: Gathering as non-tenure track faculty
This workshop was facilitated by Associate Dean of the Faculty Lisa Brawley, and Director of Inclusive Pedagogy, Alexia Ferracuti.
Workshop: What is Community-Engaged Learning and how can it expand your teaching and research?
This workshop was facilitated by Elizabeth Cannon, OCEL Director and Co-PI of the CEIH Grant, and Zoë Markwalter, CEIH Research and Program Associate.
Workshop: Unraveling Faculty Burnout
This workshop was facilitated by Rebecca Pope-Ruark.
Workshop: What is Universal Design and How Does It Apply to My Teaching?
This workshop was facilitated by Alexia Ferracuti, Director of Inclusive Pedagogy, and Jodi Schwarz, Associate Professor of Biology and co-director of Grand Challenges at Vassar.
Workshop: ChatGPT and AI Text Generators: Should Academia Adapt or Resist?
This workshop was facilitated by Steve Taylor and Faculty using ChatGPT.