This session is about creating a new Center for Innovation and Teaching Excellence at a College or University. We will include research on best practices in professional development as well as the impact of learning spaces (regardless of course modality) on faculty development and morale.
This presentation will focus on the creation of a Center for Innovation and Teaching Excellence that encompasses a physical teaching and learning space as well as professional devdelopment opportunities for our growing number of online and correctional education faculty. The Center is collaboratively designed and technologically advanced to foster the scholarship of teaching and learning in all modalities of teaching. The presentation will highlight how Ashland Univeristy creates and uses this innovative professional development center and the impact on faculty learning and engagement, and programming ideas for a teaching center.
Ashland University currently has 187 full-time faculty and more than 275 adjunct fauclty. Teaching and learning is a primary focus of Ashland University and the development of our faculty is a key to the continued success of the University. Active learning spaces require a different kind of physical space than a traditional meeting room or classroom, one that allows for movement and collaboration with abundant opportunities for training on the latest innovative technology to engage students. The goal in creating this center was to cultivate the growth and learning of faculty, advancing their development as teacher-scholars by providing and coordinating support, resources and collaborative programs. By creating this innovative learning and collaborative environment, we were able to offer opportunities for faculty development, mentor-ship, panel discussions, workshops, assessment and forums to share innovative teaching strategies and cross-disciplinary collaborations. The Center helps the University sustain extraordinary learning experiences for students. The Center began programming February 2017 and has hosted more than 50 events serving hundreds of faculty, as well as numerous classes and technology training sessions.