A consortium of colleges/universities committed to supporting institutions in the region who are developing learning community initiatives. We are a collaborative leadership network dedicated to enriching discussion about learner-centered pedagogies, and the professional development that supports them.
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Upcoming Retreat: October 22-24, 2008
Hard Core, Soft Touch: Using Learning Communities to Promote Student Success in Math and Science
For the brochure and registration form, click here!
To view the retreat agenda, click here.
Why focus on the integration of math and science with the humanities and social sciences? Consider that in math and science U.S. fourth graders are among the top globally. By eighth grade they are in the middle, and by the 12th grade they are scoring near the bottom of all industrialized countries. Call it a matter of national security, or an economic imperative. Or just consider it vital to our long-term survival. That math and science education needs improvement is well documented, but how to accomplish this is more elusive.
Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Karen Oates, Deputy Director, Division of Undergraduate Education, National Science Foundation, former Provost at Harrisburg University, and experienced educator. Dr. Oates will incorporate findings from NSF data and projects about “what works” for teaching in the sciences.
In addition, Dr. Ellen Goldey, Professor of Biology at Wofford College in Spartanville, SC, will offer workshops based on SENCER/NSF grants to create learning communities linking the sciences and the humanities. Other workshop topics include assessment of science pedagogy, “math – fear = success”, teaching soft competencies such as communication skills and teamwork to students in math and science, and the ever-popular “fishbowl” where students, faculty, and administrators share inspiration and highlights of their experiences in learning communities.
This retreat will benefit new as well as seasoned learning community practitioners. Activities include an interactive keynote presentation, workshops on the above topics, a learning community student fishbowl and team time for participants with kibitzers on request.
Location: Passionist Spiritual Center of Riverdale, Bronx NY
To find out more about this center visit http://www.passionists.org
