Learning Communities
Learning communities are professional development opportunities where a group of instructors meets regularly to discuss pedagogical strategies and challenges to improve their teaching. We offer the following learning communities this semester.
Bridging Differences and Fostering Meaningful Dialogue Learning Community
In today's polarized yet interconnected world, we all need to know how to cultivate meaningful dialogue across differences. In this learning community, we will explore tools and strategies needed to build trust, create psychological safety, and promote mutual respect, empathy, and collaboration. We will also examine ways to de-escalate conflicts and classroom disruptions and resolve them effectively to foster positive outcomes and relationships.
Contact Mayuko Nakamura, mnakamu@ilstu.edu about joining this learning community.
Meetings:
TBA
Location:
Williams 326 with the option to attend via Zoom
Facilitator:
Mayuko Nakamura, Center for Integrated Professional Development
Neurodiversity Allyship Learning Community
In this learning community, we’ll use a strengths-based approach to understand outside-the-box thinkers and explore possible ways to support neurodivergent students and colleagues. We hope the learning community will increase our understanding of neurodiversity in the fall semester by reading a book, exploring research, and exploring strategies and best practices to make ISU a more neurodivergent-friendly campus.
To join this group, contact Mayuko Nakamura, mnakamu@ilstu.edu
Meetings:
All meetings are from 11 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. on their respective days
Thursday, September 12
Thursday, September 26
Thursday, October 10
Thursday, October 24
Thursday, November 7
Location:
Williams 326 with the option to attend via Zoom
Facilitators:
Lori Henehan, Student Access and Accommodations
Mayuko Nakamura, Center for Integrated Professional Development
Small Changes Community
Teaching can be an isolating experience. This reading group, intended for those who have been teaching at Illinois State for more than four years, provides an opportunity for faculty to engage in discussions to encourage peer support, networking, and mentorship. Experience new confidence in yourself and your ability to teach!
During the Fall semester, we are going to read 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People by David Yeager as the springboard for our conversations. It is a new book, publishing in August 2024, and Yeager’s work focuses on “practical interventions aimed at improving outcomes for students.” We will use the text to find ideas for small changes we can make in our classes to see changes in our student learning and motivation. Reading is kept to reasonable amounts between our biweekly meetings and encouraged, but not required to participate in the discussions. We meet 6 times in the semester to discuss and support each other in our teaching across disciplines, and always welcome to bring your lunch.
To join this group, contact Dr. Sarah Boesdorfer, sbboesd@ilstu.edu
Meetings:
All meetings are from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on their respective days
Wednesday, September 11
Wednesday, September 25
Wednesday, October 9
Wednesday, October 23
Wednesday, November 6
Location:
Williams 326 with the option to attend via Zoom
Facilitator:
Sarah Boesdorfer,
Chemistry