One of the biggest challenges educators face today is increasing levels of student disengagement. Many faculty report that student disengagement in the classroom has reached epidemic levels since the start of the pandemic. Many students are not attending class, fail to submit their work on time, report being bored, are experiencing widespread anxiety and disconnection from their faculty and peers, and are not invested in deep learning. This seminar is designed for undergraduate instructors across disciplines who are teaching both in-person and online, and who are interested in increasing the level of student engagement and creating classrooms of deep learning.
In this seminar, participants will examine the causes of student disengagement and how their beliefs and assumptions about students shape their instructional choices. They will learn about the research on the impact of task characteristics, instruction methods, teacher-student relationships, peer characteristics, student voice, and assessment on student engagement and disengagement. An important focus of this workshop will be the application of this research to develop practical strategies to increase engagement. Participants will engage in a combination of small and large group discussions, case analysis, task analysis, and interactive activities where they will have the opportunity to apply evidence-based strategies to increase student engagement.
When & Where
Seminar Schedule. Seminars run Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a midday communal lunch. Seminar conveners may adjust the class schedule in response to participant needs. Special events may also be held during the week. Participants are required to attend the full week of seminar meetings and maintain 90% attendance overall.
Seminar Materials. Eligible participants are provided with all required seminar materials (books, articles, laboratory equipment, and entrance fees).
Accommodations & Meals. Limited housing accommodations are provided to participants who live more than 50 miles from the program site. All admitted participants are provided with some meals during the program period.
Application Procedure. Applicants should submit the completed application along with all of the following:
- A statement of intent that indicates how the seminar participant will apply what is learned at the home institution
- A current CV
- A letter of support from either the division dean or department head, who is well-acquainted with the applicant’s area of research
- Their institutional liaison officer’s approval