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‘Learning-through-Diversity’

Teaching in the context of hate speech

Aug. 21, 2018—By Joe Bandy, CFT Assistant Director Many institutions of higher education aspire to encourage the liberal arts ideals of free speech, critical thought, and diverse perspectives so as to empower students to lead meaningful and purposeful lives, and to engage in our society as responsible citizens. This – in addition to growing campus diversification, student...

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“Creating Opportunities out of Difference” Interactive Workshop May 21st

May. 9, 2018—The Office for Inclusive Excellence is offering a professional development workshop, “Creating Opportunities out of Difference”, an interactive workshop featuring PowerPlay Interactive Development from the University of New Hampshire. PowerPlay will employ a unique interactive theater model focused on issues of creating inclusive classrooms and positive student interactions. The Powerplay model involves actor improvisation and...

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Leveraging Diversity in the Classroom – Some Resources

Feb. 23, 2011—by Derek Bruff, CFT Assistant Director Last night I facilitated a teaching workshop titled “Leveraging Diversity: The Wisdom of Crowds in University Teaching.” The workshop was co-sponsored by the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, & Learning (CIRTL), a six campus network sponsored by the National Science Foundation focused on preparing future faculty in...

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Upcoming Teaching Workshop: Leveraging Diversity: The Wisdom of Crowds in University Teaching (Feb 22)

Feb. 15, 2011—Date & Time: 4:10-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 22 Location: CFT Workshop Space, Center for Teaching Facilitator: Derek Bruff, Assistant Director Audience: Faculty, Graduate and Professional Students, and Post-docs Co-Sponsored by the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, & Learning (CIRTL) Our students bring a rich array of knowledge, skills, experiences, perspectives, interests, and values...

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Leveraging Diversity: The Wisdom of Crowds in University Teaching

Feb. 11, 2011—In The Wisdom of Crowds, author James Surowiecki describes an interesting phenomenon.  When county fair visitors are given the chance to guess the weight of a cow, the average of the guesses is very often right on target.  In fact, the average guess is frequently more accurate than any single guess, even guesses by those...

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Spring CIRTL Online Courses – Diversity in the College Classroom, Educational Technology

Oct. 29, 2010—Registration is now open for the spring 2011 CIRTL Network online courses. The spring courses, intended for graduate students and post-docs in the STEM disciplines, are: Diversity in the College Classroom – Become a better college instructor by considering the complex issues of diversity and how to address them effectively in your classroom practice. Current...

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CFT Co-sponsors International Lens Film Series Event

Sep. 29, 2010—Entre les Murs (The Class): Connection and Conflict in the Classroom (Part of Vanderbilt’s International Lens Film Series) Time & Date: 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 5 Location: Sarratt Cinema Facilitator: Derek Bruff, Assistant Director, CFT Audience: Faculty; Undergraduate, Graduate and Professional Students; Post-docs; and Staff The 2008 French film Entre les Murs (The Class) presents...

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CIRTLCast June 9 – Engaging Students in Learning Through Diversity (LtD) Using Environmental Case Studies

Jun. 2, 2010—From our colleagues at the CIRTL Network, an interactive webinar of interest to graduate students and faculty in the sciences and engineering: Engaging Students in Learning Through Diversity (LtD) Using Environmental Case Studies June, 9, Bruce Herbert, Professor of Geology & Geophysics, Texas A&M University, 1-2pm CT Solutions to environmental issues are usually based upon...

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Episode 19 – Teaching Challenging Topics

Jan. 12, 2010—In this episode, we feature a panel discussion with Melissa Snarr, Assistant Professor of Ethics and Society; Brian Griffith, Assistant Clinical Professor for Human and Organizational Development; Vanessa Beasley, Associate Professor with Communication Studies; and Tiffiny Tung, Assistant Professor in the Anthropology Department. In this discussion, the four talk about strategies they use when covering...

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Episode 15 – Ellen Fanning on Undergraduate Journal Clubs

Apr. 7, 2009—In this episode, we feature an interview with Ellen Fanning, professor of biological sciences. In the interview, Ellen describes her methods of helping undergraduate biology students learn to read scientific literature, develop scientific reasoning skills, and gain an interest in science that lasts beyond their coursework. Ellen uses a journal club format that she has...

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