Penn State Learning Design Community Hub

Hi everyone,
I just returned from a really great conference focused on teaching in higher-ed: The Teaching Professor Conference. If you are looking for professional development that focuses on teaching (not so much technology), then this is one I highly recommend. The presenters were top notch and the pre-workshop sessions and keynote were by nationally known authors and experts.

Maryellen Weimer, PSU Berks Professor Emeritus and author of Learner-Centered Teaching (Jossey-Bass) is the editor of The Teaching Professor newsletter by Magna Press - The hallmark of Maryellen, the newsletter, and the conference was really practical application of research-based (and time-tested) best practice in teaching in higher -ed. Maryellen has a blog which is very interesting as well - http://teachingprofessor.blogspot.com/

I attended 5 sessions and each was very valuable with things I will be able to use right away with faculty. Topics included - how faculty can document effective teaching, formal and informal writing across the curriculum, reading strategies in college classrooms, deep learning through case-based instruction, digital video.

Ike Shibley (UP) was the conference convener this year - Attendees were mostly faculty, interested in knowing how to improve their teaching practice. It was a really life-giving group to be with. The conference takes place Fri-Sun and next year it will be in Washington, DC - http://www.teachingprofessor.com/conference/index.html

As I said, if you are looking for some PD to enhance your knowledge about teaching and learning, this is a very worthwhile conference to attend.
Suzanne