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SUSTAINED FACULTY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

In order to align the curriculum for maximum impact in addressing E&A student learning outcomes, it is essential that faculty across the university develop a shared understanding and vocabulary in argumentation pedagogy.  To that end, we will deliver two, year-long professional development programs for faculty (1) interested in improving their knowledge and skills in teaching evidence-gathering, sense-making, and argumentation, and (2) committed to applying this enhanced capacity to address a specific aspect of the curriculum.

Two cadres of 15 faculty each will be selected through an application process that includes development of an outcomes-based plan to revise or enhance the curriculum in an area of identified need.  These groups of E&A Argumentation Fellows will each work interactively over a two-year period to integrate what they are learning into the curriculum in targeted ways.  For example, faculty members may choose to:

• Contribute to the revision of key Colonnade Program courses such as ENG 100, COMM 145, ENG 300, or Connections;
• Develop a set of online teaching modules to supplement the curriculum in their particular discipline; or
• Address other elements of the curriculum for which they have documented a well-defined opportunity or need.

The first professional development program will begin in Fall 2015, and is anticipated to include:

• Two days of professional development activities for each of two semesters, facilitated by an outside content expert;
• Regular in-house discussion/brainstorming sessions in a learning community format, coordinated by the WKU Center for Faculty Development; and
• Appropriate opportunities and incentives for faculty in the form of professional development funds.

Click here to learn more about and apply for the Fall 2015 opportunity!