April 24, 2006 - 5:00pm
Top international scholars will visit Malaspina University-College in Nanaimo May 10 for a one-day symposium examining the best ways to link teaching and research to benefit student learning.
Three scholars from the United Kingdom, U.S.A and Canada will share their knowledge and insight with Malaspina students, staff, faculty, academics from other institutions, and interested members of the public.
Called "Engaging Learning, Transforming Teaching and Igniting Inquiry", the symposium will allow Malaspina "to showcase our work in supporting student success, and learn from the experiences of international scholars," said Nancy Randall, Coordinator of Malaspina’s Centre for Teaching and Learning.
"While Malaspina has obvious strengths in the quality of our teaching and learning environment, it's always good to examine what we're doing, evaluate best practices, and incorporate new ideas and approaches into our teaching, learning and research," she said.
Dr. Mick Healey, a National Teaching Scholar and Director, Centre for Excellence in Active Learning in the UK, will provide a keynote address on "Engaging Learning." Dr. Healy is an internationally recognized consultant on linking teaching, learning and research.
Canadian scholar Ken Bartlett of the University of Toronto will speak at a plenary session on "Teaching that Transforms." Bartlett is a 3M Canadian Teaching Fellow recognized for quality teaching and leadership at the national level.
Richard Gale, a senior American scholar with the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, will address the topic "Igniting Inquiry." Gale has wide-ranging experience investigating integral components of student learning.
"It’s a real coup that these international scholars are coming to Malaspina," said Randall. "They've agreed to participate because of Malaspina’s growing reputation as an educational leader."
Malaspina established a Centre for Teaching and Learning three years ago, and last fall, the institution co-hosted the second annual conference of the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning with the University of B.C., and The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Over 35 Malaspina faculty and students made presentations at the conference.
During the one-day symposium, Malaspina faculty and students will facilitate workshops to share information about research underway at Malaspina. Participants will also visit undergraduate centres, including the Centre for Coastal Research, to showcase research involving students as principal investigators.
The symposium is co-hosted by Malaspina University-College, The Institute for Advancement of Teaching in Higher Education, and McGraw-Hill Ryerson. Seventy-five people have registered so far, but 25 seats are still available.
Members of the community, including parents, teachers and business people who want to know more about teaching and learning are welcome. The cost is $100, including lunch. To register, contact Lyn Johnson at 1-250-753-3245 local 2676.
Tags: In the Community
