-----Original Message----- 1. Any yearnings for what they would like their teaching centre to start;
I think TCs need to take their workshops "on the road" and go to department meetings, faculty meetings, etc. rather than expect faculty to come to the CTL location. If a culture could be developed where department meetings included a faculty development component, I think it would be a significant accomplishment. It may sound crass, but I believe that when TCs can offer small internal grants or stipends (say $300-500, faculty members are more likely to pay attention and seriously consider investing time and energy in improving their teaching and student learning. Whether it is a stipend to be a part of a small learning community of faculty who discuss a particular teaching topic (for example, incorporating learning technologies into classes) or summer funding for revising courses in order to promote greater learning, I think that even small amounts of money can generate greater participation. 3. Your theories as to why there is often a gap between what Centres offer and what faculty want. I think there is something of a stigma associated with going to a TC for assistance with improving your teaching. Therefore faculty members are often hesitant to attend to workshops. Therefore, I think it is important to get faculty who are recognized as outstanding teachers already connected to the TC and get them to become vocal advocates for the TC. Just some thoughts, Jay Jay Howard, Ph.D. Professor of Sociology Head of the Indiana University Division of Liberal Arts President-Elect 2005-06, North Central Sociological Association Deputy Editor, Teaching Sociology IUPUC 4601 Central Ave. Columbus, IN 47203-1769 Tel: 812.348.7270 www.iupuc.edu Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus
