InSight articles focus broadly on Scholarly Teaching in the higher education environment. Faculty are encouraged to submit original manuscripts that showcase scholarly teaching processes or critically discuss the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) as a scholarship paradigm. While reports of scholarly teaching projects are welcome, InSight is also committed to continuing broader conversations about SoTL’s value as a tool for advancing student learning and demonstrating faculty commitment to teaching. Learn more HERE.

Submission Deadline = All submissions must be received by 4pm, CST on March 1, 2021 to be considered for inclusion in Volume 16. However, submissions are accepted on a rolling basis.

We invite submissions for InSight’s new section, InStruct, that focuses on practical teaching strategies accompanied by short essays associating the instructional material to the scholarship of teaching and learning (SOTL). The purpose of InStruct is to showcase the innovation of all higher education faculty (full-time, adjunct, distance, online, undergraduate, graduate, etc.), and to provide a repository of research-based teaching and learning materials that could be used or adapted by instructors from a wide array of disciplines. The goal is to provide a space to celebrate and share pedagogical content that demonstrates the practical application of SOTL principles. Learn more HERE.

Submission Deadline = InStruct uses rolling submissions. Any InStruct article accepted prior to April 30^th each year will have the title, abstract, and link to the full online article included in that year’s volume of InSight. Those accepted after April 30^th, will be rolled over into the next year’s volume of InSight.

On March 13^th, 2021, Park instructors, faculty, and staff will come together for the second annual Virtual Academic Conference to explore best teaching practices at our university. From 9:00am to 12:00pm, CST, we will consider ways to create focus and reach students remotely. For more information, please visit the Virtual Academic Conference website, or for additional questions, please email innovate@park.edu.

Click the button below to register or use the following link (HERE). This will let us know you intend to participate in the conference as well as be entered into the drawing for prizes during the event. We look forward to seeing you on March 13th!

Registration Deadline = March 12, 2021

The Faculty Center for Innovation (FCI) is pleased to announce Spark Tank! – an innovation grants challenge designed to create community and invigorate faculty teaching and learning at Park University. For AY 2021-22, FCI is awarding Spark Tank grants to departments/programs who wish to utilize grant funding on a collaborative project that will enhance teaching and learning on a program level. Applicants can win up to $5,000 to fund their project and transform their program! All applications are peer-reviewed and evaluated, resulting in the selection of three winning projects that will be funded from July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022. Learn more HERE.

Submission Deadline: 5pm, CST on April 1, 2021

Special Interest Group Reflect and Respond

Presented by Amy Wolf & Leslie Umstattd
Date & Time = Feb. 10th (Wed.) from 12-12:30pm, CST
Offsite = https://park.zoom.us/j/95196665584

The proportion of students taking online courses (exclusively) continues to grow each year, especially in the time of COVID 19. Park University continues to be a front runner in the digital learning arena, and as we chart new paths, our hope is to provide students with an innovative and engaged learning experience. This SIG aims to further conversations and “try on new ideas” for authentic teaching and engaged learning toward that goal. Learn new ideas by watching a brief video, self-enroll in the “Authentic Teaching and Engaged Learning in a Digital World” Canvas course for resources, and join us in the conversation as we set the stage for specific “go and do challenges” that can be applied to your own course work.

Digital Learning Lab

Presented by Lauren Lovvorn
Date & Time = Feb. 18th (Thur.) from 2-3pm, CST
Offsite = https://park.zoom.us/j/97330206628

Integrating technical writing, linguistic theory, and pedagogical experience, the presenter will introduce effective techniques for writing clear directions in an online class. At the conclusion of this session audience members will understand the importance and need for clearly-written directions and will have applicable tips for writing directions in the digital environment.

For additional digital learning resources, we encourage you to check out the Park University: Digital Learning Lab.

Special Interest Group Reflect and Respond

Presented by Samantha Quinn
Date & Time = Feb. 24th (Wed.) from 12-12:30pm, CST
Offsite = https://park.zoom.us/j/93061272138

The overall goal of this SIG is to arm faculty and staff with knowledge about common “dark side” communication issues (e.g. jealousy, envy, conflict, social aggression, deception, etc.), how these issues manifest at work and in the classroom, and how such issues can be constructively addressed, ultimately turning them into “bright side” learning and growing opportunities. Seeing the “bright side” of stereotypically negative issues, can have a significant impact on Park University culture, such as cultivating happier and more empathetic employees, facilitating a greater understanding of human behavior, increased respect between colleagues and greater employee and student morale. Learn new ideas by watching a brief video, self-enroll in "The Dark (and Bright) Side of Human Communication" Canvas course, and join us as we share best practices for communicating.

Roundtable Discussions

Presented by Scot Cates
Date & Time = Feb. 24th (Wed.) from 7:30-8:30pm, CST
Offsite = https://park.zoom.us/j/92805430578

Would you like to refresh your teaching and continue the term with confidence? Would you like to connect with fellow instructors and unpack ideas about teaching and learning? If so, then we invite you (and all Park instructors) to join us for the second Teaching Essentials Roundtable Discussion for “Facilitating Discussions”.

Scot Cates, from the Ft. Bliss/El Paso campus center in Texas, will facilitate the open discussion to unpack and discuss lessons learned and strategies for improved teaching. The featured topic of discussion on “Facilitating Discussions” will draw from the Module 2 of the Teaching Essentials program - a self-paced, fully online, certification program that is available for free to all Park instructors.

(Note. Please complete Module 2 of the Teaching Essentials Certification before this session in order to actively participate in the discussion – approximately 15 min. to complete.)

Monthly Virtual Coffee House

Presented by FCI

Date & Time = Feb. 26th (Fri.) from 11:30am-12pm, CST

Offsite = https://park.zoom.us/j/522928591?pwd=bnVjbWlQTUhOTGhXOHQ5UUI0MkExdz09

Feeling isolated? Miss connecting with your colleagues? Or just want to talk to someone other than your dog? All faculty are welcome to join us Friday, February 26^th, from 11:30am-12pm, CST for an informal social gathering. Topics of discussion in our breakout chat rooms will vary each session and will develop based upon your interests. Bring your own beverage of choice and join us for some brief social exchange. Hope to see you there!

Conference

Presented by FCI

Date & Time = Mar. 13th (Sat.) from 9am-12pm, CST

Offsite = https://park.zoom.us/j/99094762791?pwd=UllnZ01xM3ljU3BFZkVlZTVpZ1J3dz09

On March 13^th, 2021, Park instructors, faculty, and staff will come together for the second annual Virtual Academic Conference to explore best teaching practices at our university. From 9:00am to 12:00pm, CST, we will consider ways to create focus and reach students remotely. For more information, please visit the Virtual Academic Conference website, or for additional questions, please email innovate@park.edu.

CLICK HERE register. This will let us know you intend to participate in the conference as well as be entered into the drawing for prizes during the event. We look forward to seeing you on March 13th!

Special Interest Group Reflect and Respond

Presented by Ann Culton

Date & Time = Mar. 17th (Wed.) from 12-12:30pm, CST

Offsite = https://park.zoom.us/j/98263091090

Teaching in a classroom can be challenging, no matter the modality. The layers of complexity intertwine as we attempt to help students learn new content in a welcoming and intriguing environment. The goal should be to have students experience transformative learning while moving them closer to their final goal - graduation. This SIG will focus on teaching strategies to retain students’ through comfort, connectedness, and engagement while eliminating mundane practices. Learn new ideas by watching a brief video, self-enroll in the “Retain without the Mundane” Canvas course for resources, and stay tuned for some interesting statistics, engaging conversation, and practical application.

Monthly Virtual Coffee House

Presented by FCI

Date & Time = Mar. 26th (Fri.) from 11:30am-12pm, CST

Offsite = https://park.zoom.us/j/522928591?pwd=bnVjbWlQTUhOTGhXOHQ5UUI0MkExdz09

Feeling isolated? Miss connecting with your colleagues? Or just want to talk to someone other than your dog? All faculty are welcome to join us Friday, January 22^nd, from 11:30am-12pm, CST for an informal social gathering. Topics of discussion in our breakout chat rooms will vary each session and will develop based upon your interests. Bring your own beverage of choice and join us for some brief social exchange. Hope to see you there!

Special Interest Group Reflect and Respond

Presented by Lacey Finley
Date & Time = Mar. 31st (Wed.) from 12-12:30pm, CST
Offsite = Link coming soon!

Receivers of messages construct their attitudes towards others based on nonverbal communication more than actual words spoken (Mehrabian, 1971). How do we build influence and drive exceptional communication when only a small percentage of our overall communication messages are conveyed with the words we use? Is it time to press the rest button on how we engage with students and peers?

Self and intrapersonal awareness is the cornerstone to exceptional communication and influence. This Special Interest Group will encourage participants to discover their strengths, gain connection with people, handle conflict productively, communicate with influence and congeniality and spark enthusiasm! Learn new ideas by watching a brief video (coming soon!), self-enroll in the "How to Win Students and Influence Faculty" Canvas course, and join us as we share best practices for communicating.

Roundtable Discussions

Presented by Ann Culton
Date & Time = Mar. 31st (Wed.) from 7:30-8:30pm, CST
Offsite = https://park.zoom.us/j/94323948298

Would you like to refresh your teaching and continue the term with confidence? Would you like to connect with fellow instructors and unpack ideas about teaching and learning? If so, then we invite you (and all Park instructors) to join us for the third Teaching Essentials Roundtable Discussion for “Engaging & Motivating Students”.

Ann Culton, from the Fairchild campus center in Washington, will facilitate the open discussion to unpack and discuss lessons learned and strategies for improved teaching. The featured topic of discussion on “Engaging & Motivating Students” will draw from the Module 3 of the Teaching Essentials program - a self-paced, fully online, certification program that is available for free to all Park instructors.

Writing Retreat

Sponsored by FCI, ParkWrites, and the Faculty Scholarship Circle
Date & Time = Apr. 2nd (Fri.) from 10am-12pm, CST
Offsite = https://park.zoom.us/j/97644218420?pwd=SW9TcW05UE15RnZCU0wrU2pPNExtZz09

We all struggle to find time in the busy semester to carve out time for our scholarship. It's hard to find time to write and set reasonable writing goals for shorter work times available. Join us for a virtual faculty writing retreat - we will be setting reasonable goals for an 85-minute writing session, sharing those goals in a small team, working on your scholarship for an 85-minute period, and then sharing out your accomplishments and plans for next steps.

Tentative Session Agenda:

1. Meet briefly in small breakout groups to help you set goals for your 85 minutes.
2. Write for 85 minutes, working on whatever scholarly project you want. 
3. Check-in and discuss with your breakout group what you accomplished and talk about setting achievable goals in the future.
4. Discuss how Park can support scholarly writing in the future.