The Teaching Seminar provides an opportunity for professional development focused on the best practices of teaching. It is our hope that all attendees will learn from the expertise of their colleagues and be in a state of continuous improvement in the classroom as an instructor. These talks will be especially helpful to those new to teaching, providing support and useful ideas for their classrooms. The Teaching Seminar meets once or twice a month at 4:00-5:00PM on Thursdays. If you have questions about the Teaching Seminar or are interested in giving a talk, please contact Matt Fahy.
The Department of Mathematics & Statistics takes pride in the overall quality of instruction and the amount of scholarly teaching that occurs. The department is engaged in a number of student-centered initiatives, which you can read about here.
Note that talks are listed in reverse chronological order.
Date: November 2, 2023
Speaker: Sarah Watson (NAU)
Abstract: Sarah has attended several university-wide professional development sessions and will share a few things she has gleaned from these sessions regarding creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. This will include discussion of specific items that can be incorporated into your course syllabi.
Date: October 12, 2023
Speaker: Rachel Neville (NAU)
Abstract: Rachel has implemented Mastery-Based Grading in her MAT 316 Linear Algebra and MAT 239 Differential Equations courses. She will give a brief overview of Mastery-Based Grading, discuss how she has implemented it in her own courses, share some benefits and challenges, and leave time for questions and discussion.
Date: September 29, 2023
Speaker: Amy Rangel (NAU)
Abstract: Amy has taught at the high school level for the past few years and will lead a discussion of how the events and social/cultural changes of the last several years have impacted the social, emotional, and academic experiences and preparation of our current first- and second-year students.
Date: September 21, 2023
Speaker: Gina Nabours (LMC Director)
Abstract: We will discuss the past, present, and future of the LMC – the motivation for its creation, some challenges faced in its history so far, and goals moving forward. There have been numerous Colloquia over the years discussing the structure and outcomes of the LMC. This session is designed to be more of an open discussion of questions you still might have about the LMC and/or related topics regarding pedagogy or expectations in our 100-level courses.
Date: August 31, 2023
Speaker: Dana Ernst (NAU)
Abstract: We will discuss all things OER, including pros and cons. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion at the end.