Fall Orientation activities for Clark faculty
New tenure-track faculty at CTC with Ann Fillmore, far left, Bob Knight, back row in suit and tie, and Lorraine Leedy, fifth from right.
The Teaching and Learning Center was busy during Fall Orientation, helping faculty members prepare for the coming academic year. Below are just a few highlights from the center’s activities in September:
Faculty Focus 2013: More than 200 Clark College educators gathered for Faculty Focus on September 16 and 17 to explore student learning from the perspective of the “Aha Moment.” Day One was held at Clark College at Columbia Tech Center, giving many faculty members a first glimpse at the East County location. Following a welcome address and discussion of the Aha Moment by Vice President of Instruction Tim Cook, nine instructors explained their perspectives on the barriers to student learning as well as how their programs may contribute to student learning. Librarian Kitty Mackey talked about the variety of resources and volume of learning moments in the Libraries; ESL professor Sara Gallow spoke about Fast Track, a career-exploration program for ESL and Basic Ed students; Multicultural Retention Manager Felis Peralta described simple but powerful steps to establish equity and acceptance in the classroom. Automotive Technology professor Mike Godson addressed the teaching-and-learning framework for his department’s program; Kristin Sherwood, Human Development, described First Year Experience and this year’s new College 101 course, which helps students successfully navigate their first year of college. English professor Ray Korpi described the work going on in various learning communities within the college and Spanish professor Erika Nava recounted her year teaching a fully online Spanish class from Mexico. Kathy Chatfield brought the group up to date on the benefits and achievements of those participating in Quality Matters, and Mechatronics professor Chris Lewis spoke about his department’s cohort model. After the morning presentations, the assembled group broke into smaller interdisciplinary cohorts to reflect and share best practices with the goal of engendering student learning.
Day Two began with remarks from President Bob Knight, who then introduced four students who each had a different perspective on their learning experience at Clark. ASCC President Dena Brill described her return to school as an adult learner; Casey Harris spoke of his success in Basic Ed; Lulu Chen talked about the support she receives as an international student navigating unfamiliar customs, cultures, and education systems; and Jordan Robertson shared his experience in the Weekend Degree program. Inspired by the student presentations, faculty then convened with their respective departments to continue their work in outcomes assessment.
President Knight served and cooked pancakes at the New Faculty Retreat before giving his personal welcome to the many new and returning faces that make up our new tenure-track faculty.
New Faculty Retreat: A retreat for new tenure-track and full-time faculty was held at Columbia Tech Center during Fall Orientation Week on September 19 and 20. Representing a wide variety of disciplines, 23 faculty members attended. Modeled after the textbook Teaching At Its Best and facilitated by Outcomes Assessment Liaison Ann Fillmore, the retreat included topics like learning-centered course planning, classroom civility, teaching methodologies, universal design, the interactive classroom and assessing student learning. Presenters included Tiffany Williams, Workforce and Career Pathways; Carole Mackewich, Human Development /Counseling & Health Services; Bevyn Rowland, Human Development /Counseling & Health Services; and Katy Washburne, Adult Basic Education.
New Faculty Orientation: An orientation for faculty new to Clark College was facilitated by Outcomes Assessment Liaison Ann Fillmore on September 13. Twelve new part-time and full-time faculty attended this event, which is held at the beginning of each academic quarter. Everything from Clark policies and resources to parking permits and office keys was covered. Susan Muir from Student Affairs explained the Student Code of Conduct and Behavioral and Threat Assessment (BITA); Mel Favara, English & AEW Faculty Liaison, outlined the Academic Early Warning (AEW) program; and Gracie White, IT Services, provided training on the SMART Classroom podium.
To find out about upcoming training events for faculty, visit the Teaching and Learning Center’s home page.
Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley
