“Students as Producers” Course Design Institute, May 9-11
The CFT invites faculty members to apply to its new Course Design Institute on the theme of “Students as Producers.” During the three-day institute (May 9-11, 2016), participants will design (or redesign) courses that engage students not only as consumers of information, but producers of knowledge.
Research by first- and second-year undergraduates conducted within a biology lab course. Original short stories written for a Spanish course. Video documentaries created by future teachers to explore social and philosophical aspects of education. A water conservation education program aimed at children, developed by students in a service-learning course.
These were just some of the products of student learning exhibited in 2014 at the CFT’s Celebration of Learning. The projects, posters, presentations, and performances shared at the event represented significant learning experiences for students. They also represented courses that were thoughtfully and intentionally designed by faculty to foster deep learning.
“Students as Producers” is shorthand for an approach to teaching that helps students become not just consumers of information, but also producers of knowledge, engaging in meaningful, generative work in the courses they take. Through this year’s Course Design Institute, the CFT expands its efforts to support instructors in building these high-impact teaching practices into their courses.
Course Design Institute participants will…
- Learn and apply a process for designing courses in which learning objectives, activities, and assessments are aligned;
- Enhance their understanding of how students learn and apply that understanding to teaching in their disciplines;
- Design assignments that foster deep learning by engaging students in meaningful, generative work; and
- Expand their network of fellow Vanderbilt educators, connecting with peers with similar teaching interests.
Participants will leave the institute with course plans and draft syllabuses for courses to be taught in the following academic year. Additionally, each participate will receive $500 in research funds to be used to enhance their teaching.
For more information or to apply, visit the Course Design Institute website. Applications are due Monday, March 28th.
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