Pedagogical Institute Features National Speaker
The 2013 Pedagogical Institute at Buffalo State will be held on campus from May 20 through May 24. This year, participants can register for workshops and seminars that explore many topics including virtual office hours, using the web for student collaboration, and reviewing course content with clickers.
The all-day showcase event, “An Introduction to Learner-Centered Education,” will focus on enhancing student learning. It will be held on Thursday, May 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Bacon Hall 115. The presenter is Mark McBride (pictured), professor and coordinator of Success Strategies for College and Life program at Brevard Community College (BCC).
McBride is also a presenter with On Course Inc., which provides professional development to college and university educators. At BCC, he coordinates an annual in-house professional development program that has been attended by more than 200 faculty and staff. McBride's course for students, Success Strategies for College and Life, has measurably improved retention, graduation rates, and academic success at BCC. He has received BCC’s Distinguished Educator of the Year award and a Teaching Excellence Award from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development.
“I’m very excited about bringing Mark McBride to campus,” said Amitra Wall, interim assistant dean for intellectual foundations. “He’s a dynamic speaker who has succeeded in improving student success.”
Another guest presenter is Ken Henson, professor of education at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, and author of more than 40 books. His hands-on workshop, “Academic Writing for Publication,” will take place on Tuesday, May 21, in Rockwell Hall 204 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. His presentation is sponsored by the Textbook and Academic Authors Association; all attendees will receive a free one-year membership in TAA.
“We are very pleased to present Professor McBride and Professor Henson,” said Susan McMillen, director of faculty development. “Teaching students and publishing our own research are the most important and exciting aspects of our work.”
Rita Zientek, interim dean of the School of the Professions and Ottilie Woodruff, director of professional development and EOP counselor, will present an interactive workshop, “Communicating When the Stakes Are High: Taking the Next Step with Crucial Conversations,” Tuesday, May 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Bulger Communication Center N2B.
John Draeger, associate professor of philosophy and humanities, will present “Making Essential Connections Within and Across Courses,” Wednesday, May 22, at 1:00 p.m. in Cleveland Hall 418. This workshop will explore ways that faculty members can help students build an integrated academic experience at Buffalo State.
Service-learning faculty fellows training, to be held Thursday, May 23, is also scheduled as part of the week’s activities.