In Chancellor Zimpher's recent remarks, she said that next year two-year schools will be able to provide 5 courses in the major rather than the current 2. I think we need to be aware of the kind of influence that could have on our programs, and looking at potential electives seems a viable plan. I also think there is a distinct chance of our becoming two-year schools similar to Utica IT, so making our four-year programs especially inviting will be a good effort. 

Joanne Curran, Ph.D.
Associate Dean 
Division of Education
205A Fitzelle Hall
SUNY College at Oneonta
Oneonta, NY 13820-4015
(607) 436-2541

-----Original Message-----
From: Teaching Breakfast List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Pence, Harry ([log in to unmask])
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2011 8:46 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: First Teaching Breakfast Discussion for Spring 2011

Dear Jim,
Here is an interesting article about electives that might serve as the basis for some discussion.
http://www.insidehighered.com/views/2011/01/21/edelstein_on_the_role_of_electives

As Edelstein points out, faculty spend a lot of time talking about the general education courses and the major courses, but much less time talking about how departments can structure elective courses that make a real contribution to a student's education.  I'm very aware of this since some of the electives that I created eventually became required courses in other majors and also made students aware of career paths that were only possible at the graduate level.  One of my most popular electives wasn't even accepted for credit in the chemistry major.  

On a related note, I think that the minicourses that were once common served a valuable purpose, even though they have now mainly vanished.  I recognize that it is impossible to fit them into the schedule for most departments because of workload issues, but at least we faculty might remind ourselves from time to time that they served a valuable purpose.  And finally I would mention First Year Seminar, which was, as far as I know, the most successful program of faculty development that we have ever had on this campus. 

Do the TBers have any interest in talking about this?

Harry

 
Harry E. Pence
SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus
SUNY Oneonta
________________________________________
From: Teaching Breakfast List [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Fleisher, P. Jay   ([log in to unmask])
Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2011 8:13 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: First Teaching Breakfast Discussion for Spring 2011

Jimmy,
All faculty are expected to demonstrate professional growth and development, which means different things in different academic disciplines (i.e. geology vs. music).  How can this be conveyed effectively when it comes time for decisions on retention, promotion, tenure?  Worth discussing?  If so, I'll make a concerted effort to join the group on March 3 - not sure I'll be available for other dates - glaciers are calling.
Jay
________________________________________
From: Teaching Breakfast List [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Greenberg, James ([log in to unmask])
Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2011 1:40 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: First Teaching Breakfast Discussion for Spring 2011

TBers,

Please mark on your calendars the following dates for this semesters Teaching Breakfast gatherings.  Remember we meet at 8 am in the Hunt Union (just outside Starbucks).   Invite a colleague and bring them along with you.  As a reminder, the TB group meets once a month during the academic year to discuss topics of mutual interest that are related to the improvement of teaching and learning.

Feb. 2
March 3
April 6
May 5

I'm working on agenda items for these.  If you have any ideas/issues you would like to discuss let me know.  Thanks and have a great semester.



Mr. James B. Greenberg
Director Teaching, Learning and Technology Center
Milne Library
SUNY College at Oneonta
Oneonta, New York 13820

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