Teaching Circles

Teaching Circles are small groups of faculty from various disciplines who come together to discuss matters related to teaching and learning.  Members meet every other week to dive deeply into a topic as well as develop relationships with faculty across campus.  The discussion is centered around one focal book (provided free of charge to participants) which guides the conversation.  Members serve as informal “discussion leaders” each week but the conversation is typically guided by the group at large.

If you would like to join a teaching circle this semester, please click on the link included in the teaching circle descriptions below to register or reserve a book by January 31.  If you do not register by this date, you may not be guaranteed a copy of the book/material during the first few weeks of the teaching circle.

We always accept suggestions for future teaching and learning books to read!

For the Fall Semester of 2021, three teaching circles will be offered.

Crucial Conversations

When stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run strong, and avoidance tactics are used to “get around” crucial conversations.  Participants in this circle will read Crucial Conversations and discuss how to communicate best when it matters most.  Some of the topics discussed in this circle are how to:

• Prepare for high-impact situations with a six-minute mastery technique
• Make it safe to talk about almost anything
• Be persuasive, not abrasive
• Keep listening when others blow up or clam up
• Turn crucial conversations into the action and results you want

The group will use the book “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High” by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan and Switzler for a shared reading experience.  Members serve as informal “discussion leaders” for each meeting but the conversation is typically guided by the group at large. Faculty at all career stages (new, adjunct, mid-career, and senior) are welcome to join!

The schedule for this circle is below:

THURSDAYS

• October 7, 1:00 – 2:00
• October 21, 1:00 – 2:00
• November 4, 1:00 – 2:00
• November 18, 1:00 – 2:00
• December 2, 1:00 – 2:00

Research & Writing Exchange

This group meeting is a continuation of the ever-growing fall 2020 and spring 2021 Research & Writing Circle.  During the spring semester the group advanced the conversation on research and writing in addition to having faculty present their latest and greatest research and publications.  These activities will continue throughout the fall semester as we welcome new members.  Members of the Research & Writing Exchange will have the option to share a manuscript or proposal with the group in exchange for feedback from the group.  This group will continue with a flexible agenda allowing for interested members to share their current research interests/projects/progress in hopes of creating opportunities for collaboration across the college.  Faculty at all career stages (new, adjunct, mid-career, and senior) are welcome to join!

The schedule for this circle is:

MONDAYS

• October 4, 1:00 – 2:00
• October 18, 1:00 – 2:00
• November 1, 1:00 – 2:00
• November 15, 1:00 – 2:00
• November 29, 1:00 – 2:00
• December 13, 1:00 – 2:00

Coaching Students as Learners, Thinkers, and Writers

Looking to create deeper learning experiences for your students? The FRC will sponsor a teaching circle that will focus on coaching students as learners, thinkers, and writers! Participants in this teaching circle will focus on 5 chapters from the book “Engaging Ideas: The Professor’s Guide to Integrative Writing, Critical Thinking, and Active Learning in the Classroom” by John C. Bean.   Members serve as informal “discussion leaders” for each meeting but the conversation is typically guided by the group at large. Faculty at all career stages (new, adjunct, mid-career, and senior) are welcome to join!

Chapters to be discussed:

•  Designing Tasks to Promote Active Thinking and Learning
•  Helping Students Read Difficult Texts
•  Using Small Groups to Coach Thinking and Teach Disciplinary Argument
•  Bringing More Critical Thinking into Lectures and Discussions
•  Enhancing Learning and Critical Thinking in Essay Exams

 The schedule for this circle is:

WEDNESDAYS

• October 6, 11:00 – 12:00
• October 20, 11:00 – 12:00
• November 3, 11:00 – 12:00
• November 17, 11:00 – 12:00
• December 1, 11:00 – 12:00