Classes have ended for the semester. The work isn't over yet since there is marking that remains to be done. Yet, we can see the Christmas holidays approaching and with it, the hustle of another semester drawing to a close. As things wind down, our minds flood with reflections of how the term went and plans for the new year.
Each new semester is a new beginning. In the spirit of renewal, this edition of the Learning and Teaching Newsletter focuses on professional development in its many forms. In this digital age, a world of resources and tools are available to us, supplementing regular face-to-face activities. Two of the digital options discussed include Cyber Connections and RSS news feeds. Professional development can be as simple as sharing teaching ideas with a colleague, writing a teaching tip, or reading a book.
Wishing you a relaxing holiday.
Feature Article
The Scholarship of Learning and Teaching: Sharing Our Collective Expertise as Teachers
This month's feature article discusses how pursuing research questions within your teaching practice and sharing these results can help to build a body of teaching and learning expertise.
Each issue of the Learning and Teaching Newsletter will take as its theme one competency from the Professor of the 21st Century document, endorsed by the College Academic Council in April, 2004.
The Professor of the 21st Century models professional practice within the discipline of teaching.
The Professor
- Identifies his/her own learning style and how it affects his/her teaching
- Locates and uses resources that support his/her teaching practice
- Engages in on-going development to remain current in his/her own subject area and in the discipline of teaching
- Identifies the impact of his/her own teaching on student learning
- Contributes to a learning culture that encourages continuous learning, reflective practice and peer support
- Works within ethical, legal and College guidelines
