The Daily Bulletin Archive

By Tony Astran

Three two-day workshops are slated for this year’s Summer Pedagogical Institute, offered by the Intellectual Foundations unit of University College May 19–27. The deadline to apply is April 20.

Virginia S. Lee, a teaching consultant with Dee Fink & Associates, will offer techniques on the integrated course design model to bolster student learning. Clyde “Kip” Herreid, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of biological sciences at the University at Buffalo, will discuss pedagogy for teaching science by way of case studies. And Gerald Nosich, professor of philosophy and humanities at Buffalo State, will present “Teaching Critical Thinking across the Curriculum,” which offers preparation for BSC 101 and other first-year classes.

As in the past, those who attend a full workshop will receive a $200 recognition toward research, travel, and creative materials. Doug Koritz, assistant dean of intellectual foundations, said there will be fewer—but longer—workshops this year.

“I think the new format will be more effective because it will allow faculty time to process information and use it for the classes they’ll teach in the fall,” he said.

Koritz said the Summer Pedagogical Institute is helpful for any faculty member on campus. Many workshops will focus on techniques for teaching Intellectual Foundations courses, especially BSC 101.

The Volunteer and Service-Learning Center’s Faculty Fellowship Program takes place May 19–21 and will be part of the Summer Pedagogical Institute for the first time. Koritz calls the addition a “perfect fit.”

Koritz is also trying to organize a Writing across the Curriculum (“W” courses) workshop as well as BSC 101 roundtable discussions. Overall, he hopes every workshop will help faculty learn teaching techniques they can directly apply to their courses.

“We’re getting better at identifying faculty needs, so I think this year’s Summer Pedagogical Institute will be the best yet,” Koritz said.

Space is limited. Interested participants should contact Linda Schultz to register.