Faculty development and support since the pandemic pivot: An exploration of instructor-readiness programming within a school of professional studies

Audience Level: 
Intermediate
Institutional Level: 
Higher Ed
Abstract: 

The faculty support and training leadership at a large graduate institution present a case of reimagining pedagogical training, faculty support, and faculty development since the “pandemic pivot.” The presenters will focus on lessons learned during the move to remote instruction, the shift to HyFlex/Hybrid learning, and the return to the classroom amidst our “new normal.”

Extended Abstract: 

This presentation will showcase the experiences of three critical academic support units in their efforts to reimagine pedagogical training, faculty support, and faculty development since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Spring of 2020. This presentation is most relevant to academic leadership, faculty, and staff interested in learning about insights and strategies utilized by academic support units and faculty to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic has forced academic institutions to quickly adapt and revise traditionally held beliefs about teaching and learning. As a result, academic support units have had to rethink their standard approaches to supporting faculty and students. The presenters will share their practical experiences and lessons learned during the move to remote instruction, the shift to HyFlex/Hybrid learning, and the eventual return to the classroom and intentional online learning amidst our “new normal.” During this interactive, engaging, and thought-provoking presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their own experiences. The presenters will use small group discussions to facilitate conversation related to essential questions related to the impact of the pandemic on academic support. Attendees will have the opportunity to network and exchange ideas with colleagues from other institutions and leave with practical insights for supporting faculty in the post-pandemic world.

Presentation Objectives:

  • Shared understandings of the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in support frameworks used before, during, and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Stories from faculty, including but not limited to their perceptions of best practices in teaching and learning, ideal support, and future needs to succeed in the “new normal”.

  • Strategies and best practices for supporting faculty during the “pandemic pivot” and as they return to the classroom and intentional online learning.

  • Lessons learned from the shift to HyFlex/Hybrid learning, including how to design courses that are flexible and responsive to students' needs.

  • Actionable insights and strategies to consider as we plan for the future of academic support in a post-pandemic world.

In summary, this presentation will provide attendees with practical insights and strategies for reimagining academic support in response to the pandemic pivot. The interactive and engaging nature of the presentation will encourage attendees to share their own experiences and learn from colleagues from other institutions. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities of this new era and with practical strategies for supporting faculty and students in a post-pandemic world.

Conference Track: 
Engaged and Effective Teaching and Learning
Session Type: 
Education Session
Intended Audience: 
Administrators
Faculty
Instructional Support
Training Professionals