“Teaching Fellows was a very worthwhile effort”
Several months ago, eight faculty including myself, were selected to take part in the inaugural MPTC Teaching Fellows Program. Our mentor for the program is Dean of General Studies, Dr. Jennifer Lanter. During the program, faculty shared teaching experiences, gained knowledge related to learner-centered teaching approaches, discussed innovative teaching practices in a collaborative environment, and explored new teaching strategies. Three books were used during our efforts, but discussion always seemed to be the groups most important tool, as we learned many important approaches and strategies related to our teaching efforts. This was all done in a very supportive environment with Dr. Jennifer Lanter keeping our efforts on track.
We looked at Myers-Briggs Teaching Styles and Learning Styles, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL), and What the Best College Teachers Do, written by Ken Bain, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA (2004). We also evaluated each other’s courses during the program.
As the program nears its end, I reflect upon the great sessions we as a group experienced, what we learned, our significant discussions, and the various challenges. Teaching Fellows was a very worthwhile effort, and I will miss our discussions as we move on, but now others will follow and experience MPTC’s Teaching Fellows Program. Look for our end of program celebration on May 12.
For more information on Moraine Park, visit morainepark.edu.
