The annual Pedagogical Institute is a valuable resource for faculty members who are seeking ideas and tools to make their classrooms more rewarding for their students and themselves alike. This year’s Pedagogical Institute will take place from May 16 to 26, and offer many different workshops and classes that meet many different needs and goals.

The featured speaker, Lynne Sorensen, is presenting the showcase session on Wednesday, May 25, from 9:00 to 3:30 in Bacon Hall 115. Sorensen, an associate with Dee Fink and Associates, will present “Designing Courses for Significant Learning.” Registration is required.

Sorenson, who is also a consultant with the Center for Teaching & Learning at Brigham Young University, has more than 20 years of experience in faculty/instructional development. During her presentation, Sorensen will demonstrate the significance of course design; help faculty members identify their own goals for student learning; and introduce the Integrated Course Design model. Registrants will have the opportunity to work in small groups to design a hypothetical course and compare their designs.

“A central concept in the design of this year’s Pedagogical Institute was that Lynn’s workshop would give instructors a framework they can use to meaningfully apply and integrate ideas from other workshops in the design of a new course or revision of an existing course,” said Lisa Hunter, assistant dean for Intellectual Foundations and First Year Programs in University College. Hunter, with Sue McMillen, professor of mathematics and director of faculty development, organized this year’s Pedagogical Institute.

Fifteen other sessions over the two-week period provide faculty members with many options for pursuing specific interests. Other sessions include introducing students to formal written arguments; grant writing; and a National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) workshop, Welcoming Diversity and Inclusion.

Gerald Nosich, professor of Philosophy and Humanities, is also among the presenters. The fourth edition of Nosich’s book Learning to Think Things Through: A Guide to Critical Thinking across the Curriculum, has just been published. His two-day workshop, Foundational Workshop on Critical Thinking and Teaching for Critical Thinking, will enable participants to discover new ways to include critical-thinking skills in their courses. It will be held on May 17 and May 19 in Bacon Hall 115.

“Faculty and staff at Buffalo State are striving to engage students and help them succeed,” said Hunter. “We are pleased to be able to offer them these resources.”