 |
East Campus Library
|
|
Faculty Voices of Experience
Becoming a Learner-Centered Instructor
What is learner-centered teaching? I thought I knew the answer to this question. A few months after receiving tenure in 2004 I began reading a book called "Learner-Centered Teaching - Five Key changes to practice" by Maryellen Weimer. I truly believed at the time that my teaching was learner-centered and thought this book would affirm my pedagogical approaches and course design principles. I was wrong. This talk will offer reflections on how I dug myself out of the realization that my course was an instructor-centered experience for my students. Most importantly, I will explore insights and changes to my approach to teaching I have gained from constantly viewing my course through the lens of the learner-centered teaching philosophy.
Facilitator:
Carol Hurney, Executive Director, Center for Faculty Innovation; Professor, Biology
Facilitator Bio:
Carol Hurney (Associate Professor, Biology and Executive Director, CFI) received a BA in Biology from the University of Rochester and a PhD in Biology from the University of Virginia. Carol began her teaching career at a middle school near her home in NH. To extend her teaching experience, Carol accepted a teaching post-doctoral position in the General Education Program at JMU in 1996 that ultimately led to a full-time position in the Biology Department in 1998. Carol teaches courses in the General Education Program and also teaches the introductory laboratory for Biology majors. Her scholarly interests are in the areas of salamander tail development and learner-centered teaching strategies.
Workshop Details
Tuesday, February 26
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Rose 5211
