Office of Faculty Development

Programs and Services

Academic Boot Camp

In CDU ABC participants find out how to help their students learn better, save time on all aspects of teaching including grading, get better teaching evaluations, and have more fun in the process. It is an intensive faculty seminar on principles and practices for designing and conducting effective college courses. Topics and activities include the design of learning objectives, assignments, rubrics, tests, and grading schemes; student learning and diversity; designing a variety of learning experiences; and continuing instructional improvement strategies through scholarly teaching and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.

TEACHING GOALS & LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of CDU ABC participants

• understand concepts and theories of course design; they will be able to describe:

• the university course design process
• university student learning styles
• university student cognitive development
• university instructor teaching styles

• use the theories and concepts of course design; they will be able to:

• design/redesign a course, with the following elements
• clear learning objectives
• useful learning experiences to achieve the course Los
• effective assessment for students' learning
• documentation of student learning

• be able to explain their design choices

All activities in this energetic seminar are directed at each participant putting together a course portfolio for a course they teach, based on sound pedagogical principles. All participants will receive quick feedback from the instructor and colleagues based on the rubrics designed for each element. The final course portfolio will be due two weeks after the final day of ABC. Those accepted into the ABC should list their participation on their Faculty Activity Plans and Reports and on their Contribution Score for this period of time.