天美社区

Teaching Circle

Based on the concept of Teaching Circle as it was first implemented by Appalachian State University, 天美社区’s Teaching Circles provide an opportunity for informal but productive conversations among colleagues interested in exploring topics related to academic excellence. These Circles are designed to build collegiality and focus attention on strategies for promoting student engagement and success. 

CTLL provides mini-grants to selected groups of faculty and teaching staff who want to form a Teaching Circle on a particular topic of their choosing. Teaching Circles organize themselves and apply for the mini-grant. 

Circle members choose to: reflect on current practices, share existing strategies which have proven to be effective, and/or discuss and generate new strategies. The important thing is that faculty and staff members talk, exchange ideas, and work together to design and refine institutional practices that support effective teaching and the success of our students. For example, a group of faculty and/or staff might meet to discuss how to use technology to improve advising processes. Another group of faculty members and professional staff might discuss strategies for engaging students in our intellectual community. Any topic, as long as it is related to promoting best practices in teaching and learning and student success, will be considered for funding.  

Ideally, Circles will consist of at least six and no more than twelve people interested in a particular issue. Preferably, members should include individuals from at least two departments/units and preference will be given to Circles whose membership includes individuals from multiple areas. If appropriate, a member of the local community may serve as a Circle member. Each circle will designate one individual to serve as the “leader” of the group. This person will submit 500-1,000-word blog post for CTLL's blog Teaching Academic on or before May 1 summarizing the Circle's work and its contributions to 天美社区's mission of academic excellence. Digital photographs of the circle's meetings are also encouraged. Digital photographs of the circle's meetings are also encouraged.

Funding

Support up to $250 will be provided for participants to purchase state-allowable items (which excludes cash payouts, food/drink, and food reimbursements). 

Apply

To apply to be selected as one of four groups funded, please fill out  (login required) that asks for the following information:

  1. Name of Teaching Circle
  2. Leaders of Teaching Circle and their primary campus
  3. List of Teaching Circle members
  4. Proposed outline of activities for the academic year
  5. List of readings or relevant materials to be used
  6. Explanation of how Circle may further 天美社区's mission and/or strategic plan
  7. Proposed list of the items to be purchased

The Deadline for sending in your application is the second Monday of October at 5 p.m. Applications after this deadline will be accepted if funds allow.

The Professional Development Committee and the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Leadership will oversee the selection process.