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REFLECTIONS

Monthly News & Updates

April 26, 2024

Teaching Workshop May 1–29

This online event is asynchronous except for a 1-hour Zoom meeting each Wednesday at 4:30pm Eastern.


Participants complete interactive learning activities in our web-based learning management system.

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But I already know how to teach!


Of course you do! The point isn't to learn skills X, Y, and Z, but to improve your current level of teaching performance, no matter what that level is. This makes the Teaching Workshop as useful for seasoned experts as for those just getting started. Whether you're looking for teaching tips, would benefit from a new challenge, or just need a recharge of your teaching batteries, this one's for you.

May 1 Teaching Workshop (LEARN MORE)

June 10 Assessment Workshop (LEARN MORE) (REGISTER)

June 11-13 PE Conference 2024 (LEARN MORE) (REGISTER)

June 24 Self-Growth Institute (LEARN MORE)

July 16 Student Success Workshop (LEARN MORE)

Insight Generator


We are pleased to announce that Dan Apple has been very busy creating AI-related tools for professionals and self-growers! His latest work is the Insight Generator which is available in the GPT Store and can be obtained from this link for those using GPT 4.

The Insight Generator is a structured method designed to analyze observations comprehensively using the TOISE model, which stands for Theme, Observation, Implications, Significance, and Expanded Impact. Each component of the TOISE model addresses different aspects of an observation to generate a deep, actionable insight:


Theme: Identifies the core issue or challenge of the insight

Observation: Provides a detailed, unbiased description of the phenomena or data

Implications: Explores the consequences and underlying patterns

Significance: Evaluates the importance and broader impact of the insight

Expanded Impact: Considers long-term consequences and broader insight applications


The Insight Generator also aims to aid personal and professional growth by enhancing observational skills and providing actionable tips. It offers the opportunity to score observations against a detailed rubric, suggest improvements for insights, and evaluate the observation's impact and significance comprehensively. This methodical approach helps in deepening understanding and refining skills effectively.

Featured Blog Posts

Swerving Around Tradition

We have a wonderful cultural heritage that tells us that things that are oldthings that have lastedare the things that are good and should be preserved. To the ancient Greeks, gray hair meant "wisdom" because, after all, someone had to have accumulated wisdom in order to have survived long enough to get gray hair...

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Going from Reacting

to Responding

When we experience unexpected change, whether in our personal or professional lives, we tend to either resist or react. Not all change should be embraced, but when we have little choice or we know the change can ultimately be good for us, we need to figure out how to view the change as an opportunity rather than threat.

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The Self-Growth Institute offers an unparalleled opportunity to embark on a transformative journey of both personal and professional development.

Are you a self-grower?
         Learn more!         

Nestled in the serene environment of UC Santa Cruz, renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and vibrant academic community, this Institute provides the perfect backdrop for deep introspection and learning.

Personalized Learning Experience One of the primary reasons to attend the Self-Growth Institute is the personalized learning experience it offers. The curriculum is designed to cater to the individual needs of each participant, ensuring that everyone can work on their specific growth objectives. Whether you're looking to enhance your leadership skills, develop better communication abilities, or foster creative thinking, the Institute’s tailored approach helps you target these goals effectively.


Expert Guidance and Mentorship The Self-Growth Institute prides itself on its roster of experienced and knowledgeable instructors and mentors from various fields. These experts are not just leaders in their respective areas but are also skilled educators who are committed to facilitating your growth. They provide insights drawn from real-world experiences and academic research, offering guidance that is both practical and inspirational.


Networking Opportunities Attending the Institute places you in a community of like-minded individuals who are also on their paths to self-improvement. This environment fosters networking and the building of lasting relationships with peers from diverse backgrounds and professions. The connections made here can often lead to future collaborations, professional opportunities, and a supportive community that extends well beyond the duration of the program.


Comprehensive Growth Framework The program is structured around a comprehensive framework that not only focuses on developing specific skills but also on integrating these skills into everyday life to promote continuous growth. You’ll learn to set realistic yet challenging goals, identify and overcome personal and professional impediments, and apply new best practices to daily routines. This holistic approach ensures that the growth achieved is sustainable and impactful.


Beautiful and Inspiring Location UC Santa Cruz is known for its stunning natural beauty, from lush forests and rolling hills to the scenic coastline. This inspiring setting enhances the learning experience, providing a calm and invigorating environment conducive to growth and creativity. The physical space complements the Institute's educational goals, making it easier for participants to reflect, engage deeply with the content, and relax after intensive sessions.


Focus on Practical Application What sets the Self-Growth Institute apart is its emphasis on the practical application of learned skills and theories. The curriculum includes workshops, real-life case studies, and interactive sessions that encourage participants to practice what they've learned in real-time scenarios. This method ensures that the knowledge gained is not theoretical but readily applicable in various aspects of life.


Support for Continuous Development Beyond the duration of the program, the Self-Growth Institute provides resources and support for ongoing development. Participants leave with a detailed growth plan tailored to their personal and professional aspirations, along with tools and contacts to continue their development journey independently.


Personal and Professional Transformation Ultimately, the reason to attend the Self-Growth Institute at UC Santa Cruz is the promise of personal and professional transformation. The skills, knowledge, and insights gained here have the potential to significantly alter your career trajectory and life path. The investment of time and resources in attending the Institute is an investment in a brighter, more capable, and fulfilled self.

Monthly Self-Growth Tip

When in a funk,

focus on a life role


Life has its ups and downs and most of us don’t have too many down (or up) days in a row. But when the bad days just keep coming, there are a few techniques that can help turn things around. One that we’ve found is to briefly reflect on our life roles and choose one that we’ve neglected. We have so many roles: partner, parent, carer, professor, mentor, researcher, gardener, soccer enthusiast, friend, and neighbor, to name a few.

There aren’t enough hours in the day for us to give each the attention it deserves. But when we find ourselves in a funk, choosing one of these and throwing ourselves and our energy into it can make a big difference. It doesn’t always work immediately; sometimes we may have to wear a few different hats and improve in a couple of different life roles before things get better. The point is that these life roles are what sustain us; together, they are who we are and the aspects of ourselves that we value the most. Time working on those roles is never wasted and stepping into one of them with passion and a will provides us a kind of sanctuary from the darker days, while eventually lighting them back up.

Tuesday, June 11 - Thursday, June 13

Sponsored by the Academy of Process Educators Hosted by the University of Indianapolis (UIndy)

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