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Academy News - November 6, 2019
Need help checking your teaching blind spots?
We all have blind spots in our work. For instructors, one way to shed light on these blind spots is to invite a colleague into our classroom for a collaborative peer observation. This non-evaluative, non-judgmental approach creates shared ownership of the challenges we face as practitioners. The use of a structured protocol for observing instructor actions, student actions, and instructor/student interactions serves to hold up a mirror so that we can see our teaching in a different light and have autonomy in making changes that align with our values.

rear view mirror
As it prepares to transition to Asia as its next Global Region of Focus for the academic years 2020-2023, the Office of International Education is offering its third Faculty International GEC and International Field Seminar. Participants will study global learning outcomes and assessment techniques, acquire new competencies in inter-cultural communication, create curriculum projects for infusion, and more. Faculty who complete the on-campus GEC will be eligible to apply for a Field Seminar GEC that includes an international field experience in South Asia. View the syllabus and apply now (application deadline is November 8).

The Library Make Shop has a brand new laser cutter that will cut and engrave a variety of different designs on wood, acrylic, and more! Create your own teaching tools, visualizations of complex concepts, 3D models, custom signage...the possibilities are endless.

The college is beginning its search processes for provost and executive vice president (EVP) for finance and administrative services. You are invited to provide your input at the college's "Pre-Search Study" sessions on November 7 and 8. Your thoughts and perceptions about the qualities of the next provost and EVP will help inform the basis of the search profiles.

  • Conducting Peer Observations of Teaching for Professional Development
  • Innovate Inside the Box Book Discussion
  • Sustaining The Professional Self for Deep Work
  • GIFTS: Great Ideas for Teaching Speech

Dr. Proctor would like to hear from you. You are invited to share your ideas, thoughts, and concerns about the work you do at Harper and how we can help our students succeed. There are two remaining sessions: Thursday, November 14 at 11 a.m. and Monday, December 2 at 6 p.m.

Have you been thinking about joining a Community of Practice? Now is the time! Multiple groups are still seeking members to participate in their communities.

Stop by the Performance Lab, located in the Health & Recreation Center (Building M, Room M2510), on November 7 anytime between 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. for your complimentary baseline fitness assessment and receive feedback from our student and professional personal trainers. Assessments will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. A Health & Recreation Center membership is not needed.
Student Learning
Critical Thinking Improves Life Outcomes
Submitted by the Learning Assessment Committee

Did you know? Critical thinking predicts a wide range of life events! That's the major finding of a series of recent studies conducted by Heather Butler and her colleagues in the psychology department at California State University, Dominguez Hills.

While intelligence is mostly genetic, and therefore static, critical thinking can be improved with training. So, what are you doing to improve your students' lives?

What are some things you can do to engage your students in critical thinking?

Faculty Experience
Reflections on Student Success
Submitted by Mary Horstman, Nursing

How do you prepare students to become healthcare professionals in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program?

The life of a healthcare professional is especially difficult since it is a life of serving others. Healthcare workers often experience legitimate suffering either because of the patient's lack of empathy toward them as caretakers or when they become saddened by the plight of the patient.

A solution for this journey ahead is excellent preparation for becoming a healthcare professional.

Online Learning
How to Keep from Going MIA in Your Online Course
Engagement is critical when teaching an online course. A recent article from Faculty Focus provides suggestions on how to stay engaged with students in an online course.


Harper OSCQR Rubric: Guide for Online Course Design
Here are a few student engagement standards to always consider in your online course:
Upcoming Programs & Workshops
November 7, 3 p.m. (CEUs: 0.5)

November 15, 12 p.m. (CEUs: 0.3)

November 22, 1 p.m. (CEUs: 0.2)

December 12, 3 p.m. (CEUs: 0.2)

January 7 - January 11

January 24 - May 8 (GECs: 2)
registration deadline: November 8

January 27 - February 9 (GECs: 1)
registration deadline: January 13
calendar
Faculty Photos
faculty
Assessment Conference & Share Fair 2019
faculty
Faculty Retreat 2019
What's Happening @ Harper?
aerial view
Academy for Teaching Excellence | 847.925.6174 | Building F, Room F317
Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The mission of the Academy for Teaching Excellence is to create a vibrant teaching and learning culture for full-time and adjunct faculty that cultivates professional development in support of student success.
Accessibility: Individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation or who have questions about physical access may contact the event host or Access and Disability Services at ads@harpercollege.edu, 847.925.6266, at least two weeks in advance of the event date.
Harper College enriches its diverse communities by providing quality, affordable, and accessible education. Harper College, in collaboration with its partners, inspires the transformation of individual lives, the workforce, and society.