Fall 2024 Faculty Development Day Resources
Breakout Sessions
Teaching with AI
Presenters: Katherine Stavrianopoulos, Maria Cipriani, Linda Humes
Moderator: Angela Crossman
Abstract: As AI moves further into the mainstream, it reflects a new era of human teaching and learning. Join colleagues to discuss ways to implement pedagogical changes that reflect this new ecology. Having participated in AAC&U training on ‘Teaching with AI’, panelists will help faculty consider (a) ways to rethink pedagogy and assessment approaches; (b) address academic integrity concerns; (c) consider AI competency-related learning outcomes; and (d) contemplate ethical and equity implications of the use of AI.
Teaching the Teacher: The Intersection of Justice, Technology, & Effective Facilitation
Presenter: Mohammad Hamad
Abstract: Students often believe that faculty should have answers to every question, big or small, and it is natural to internalize this notion in the turbulent world we live in. This session aims to empower audience members with the tools and strategies to become effective facilitators, as opposed to simply knowledge producers. We will explore the role of technology in fostering critical engagement and our ethical obligation to “do justice” as facilitators in our classrooms.
[This session was canceled due to technical difficulties.]
Adapting Assignments and Assessments in a time of Political Polarization
Presenters: Utku Sezgin & Rosa Squillacote
Abstract: We propose a workshop on how educators can present subject material that helps students navigate complex political moments, and how educators can design assignments & appropriate assessments for developing students’ self-reflection about these complex political moments. Workshop leaders will facilitate conversation with other participants on how to adapt their core subject material and class assignments to the political crises of the moment, as well as how to foster students’ self-reflection. Workshop facilitators will focus on 101 classes in political science and other disciplines, presenting the new writing assignment we have developed as part of the General Education & Major Gateway Writing Assignments Project. This assignment requires students to write two short essays analyzing the behavior of formal and informal political actors in the context of specific contemporary political controversies. In the interest of reflective practice and equitable assessment, students will also be asked to consider how their backgrounds influence their understanding of these controversies.
Beyond Intellectual Engagement
Presenters: Pamela LiVecchi, Karla Batres, Emese Ilyes
Abstract: Critical analysis or what can be referred to as critical consciousness is necessary for deep and contextual learning. There is an increasing interest in finding ways to engage students in critical thinking in the classroom through teaching techniques. However, students and professors may be defaulting to relying on intellectual or cognitive reasoning while there are other forms of analysis, such as emotional. Learning happens through cognitive as well as experiential practices and these can both utilized for a fuller learning experience.
VOICES: Shifting science teaching and learning by incorporating culturally-affirming approaches
Panelists: Monica Mattesi, Ana Pego, Nelson Nuñez-Rodriguez, Daniel Yaverbaum
Moderator: Lissette Delgado-Cruzata
Abstract: In this panel, faculty engaged in the VOICES project will share their experiences developing and implementing classroom activities that bring the students closer to the content they are learning. VOICES, funded by the HSI STEM NSF initiative, has the goal of supporting faculty in building a classroom environment that is culturally-affirming in disciplines that have not traditionally use this lens. Faculty will share their experience in the program, discuss the activities they have implemented, and reflect on the challenges that result from creating more inclusive science classrooms.
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- Slides: (To be uploaded)
Navigating Current Events with GenAI, Social Media, and Library Resources
Presenters: Jocelyn Castillo & Jacob Adler
Abstract: In today’s rapidly changing world, staying informed about current events is more critical than ever. This workshop aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the vast landscape of information sources effectively. By exploring the potential of GenAI, leveraging social media wisely, and utilizing library resources strategically, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of pressing issues and develop critical thinking skills to form informed opinions.
Critical Engagement with Participatory Technology for Career Readiness
Presenter: Madhura Bandyopadhyay
Abstract: In this workshop we shall collectively explore ways to help our students learn how to employ critical thinking as they engage with participatory technologies that make creation and expression possible through interaction to take students beyond the role of simple users and consumers. Our students must learn how to make, create, express and work with these technologies in active, participatory roles rather than remain passive observers. Through discussion and hands-on activities about curriculum and assignment design participants will engage in dialog about how to bring in these technologies into the classroom meaningfully so they make our students digitally literate members of civic society as well as career ready in a deeper way going beyond simple skills development as befits their time in an institution of higher education. Examples of engaging with such technologies could include building electronic portfolios, composing social media pages (creative, professional or personal) or using Chat GPT but the primary focus of the session will remain on critical engagement.
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When We Listen: Teaching & Learning Feedback through Student Focus Group Research
Presenters: Marisa Tramontano, Florentina Lonati, Jacob Moses
Abstract: Assessment, far too often, is a laborious task that largely involves reviewing writing samples to assess assignments and students for their engagement with course learning outcomes. What this approach to assessment misses is the messy qualitative lived experiences of students in their classes. The first presenter will discuss how to design IRB-approved studies to generate student-led focus group discussion to reveal how students experienced courses, how effective they felt their courses and instructors were, whether training or other variables affected student experience, and how they see themselves as learners. The next presenters will delve into the research process and results of a particular focus group project that explores students’ self-perceptions of their learning in response to studying with instructors who participated in faculty development seminars. This project was partially funded by a CUNY Transforming Learning in the Humanities grant in collaboration with the John Jay Teaching & Learning Center.
Valuing Indigenous Voices in the Classroom and Faculty Workshops. Inviting Indigenous Speakers to 21st Century Higher Education
Panelists: Paul Bartlett, Silvina Cadleraro, Alejandro Garcia Lozano, LaDawn Haglund
Abstract: Expanded Trust & Embodied Learning: What is experiential transformative learning? How can we design learning opportunities that include increasing openness and informed trust toward humans and the more-than-human, exercising speculative imaginations, while making these skills transferable to students’ future careers? Panelists will share their experience and student testimonies of the multifaceted benefits of bringing in the voices of the Indigenous in the classroom and curriculum and student testimonies
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COACHE 2023- Working Group Recommendations
Panelists: Gabriel Camacho, Yeju (Chloe) Choi, Yi He, Mohammad Islam, Matthew Perry, Judy-Lynne Peters, Christopher Schults
Moderator: Angela Crossman
Abstract: The 2023 COACHE survey of faculty job satisfaction findings were shared in fall 2023. The Working Group on the Faculty analyzed the findings, conducted follow-up work and drafted recommendations in response in June 2024. The recommendations are being shared along with an opportunity for faculty members to offer feedback.
Community Discussion 1: Civility, Critical Engagement, and Democratic Education
Panelists: Sergio Gallegos-Ordorica, Olivera Jokic, Jamie Longazel, Alexandra Moffett-Bateau
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Community Discussion 2: Reexamining Free Speech on Campus
Panelists: President Karol Mason, Provost Allison Pease, and Interim Chief Legal Counsel Myrna Foley
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