Category Archives: Center for Teaching Excellence
Are YOU Willing to Share Your G.I.F.T.S.?
Are you a GRCC faculty member who is doing something great in your classes to impact student learning? Are you willing to share those G.I.F.T.S.–Great Ideas For Teaching Students–with your colleagues? If so, the Center for Teaching Excellence and Distance Learning and Instructional Technologies invite you to submit a proposal to host a table at the 9th Annual Teaching and Learning Showcase.
The Showcase will take place on Thursday, April 9 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. in Sneden 108. If you are interested in hosting a table, we just need you to fill out a short form that can be accessed at http://goo.gl/forms/djF9WE3Etw . You will need a title, description of what you are doing, and brief explanation of how it is positively impacts student learning. Proposals are due no later than Friday, March 13, 2015, but early submissions are encouraged. For more information, visit www.grcc.edu/showcase .
February Workshops from the Center for Teaching Excellence
It’s February already, and Winter semester is in full swing. This month, the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) is continuing its Engaged Teaching Series, beginning a series on Classroom Assessment Techniques, and coordinating a variety of workshops on the Faculty Evaluation System. You can register for all workshops at www.grcc.edu/ctereg . Looking for something else? The CTE, Distance Learning and Instructional Technologies, and the other departments within Instructional Support would be happy to custom-tailor faculty development to your needs as a department, group, or individual. Simply email CTE@grcc.edu to start the process. Below are the details on our workshops. You can view the descriptions by clicking the name of the workshop on our calendar page at www.grcc.edu/ctecalendar .
“Classroom Observation Training”
Tuesday, February 3, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM & Tuesday, February 24, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM in 347 Main
Observations are an important component of the evaluation system but how do you perform effective observations that result in constructive feedback? This session explains the behaviors that characterize effective instruction and assists faculty in using those behaviors as benchmarks for effective and appropriate peer evaluation. It also covers the documentation associated with observations in the Faculty Evaluation System. The session covers information on observation of both face to face and online courses. NOTE: Completion of this session is required before faculty will be permitted to complete observations of peers.
“Building Instructor-Student Relationships”
Friday, February 6, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM in 347 Main
How can I build and maintain classroom rapport? There is ample research proving that positive rapport between instructors and their students play a significant role in teaching and learning. Participants will discover why classroom rapport is important for effective student learning as well as how to develop rapport-building and rapport-maintaining strategies.
“Completing FPE Reports”
Monday, February 9, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM in 347 Main
This session will provide information on the reports that must be completed each year by full-time faculty as part of the Faculty Evaluation System. After completing this session participants should be able to: 1) Outline the general expectations for an effective FPE report, 2) Describe the appropriate documentation required for each section of the FPE report, 3) Explain the characteristics of the specific sections for the FPE report, and 4) Explain the approval process and due dates for the FPE report.
“Classroom Assessment Techniques I”
Thursday, February 19, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM in 347 Main
Designing your own assessments that provide context-and teacher-specific feedback can help you adapt and improve your teaching. This session addresses CATs (Classroom Assessment Techniques), with a focus on CATs that assess learner attitudes, values, and self-awareness. After completing the session, participants should be able to: 1) describe the importance of assessing learner attitudes, values, and self-awareness, 2) experience at least three CATs, 3) identify at least one new CAT to be used in their classes.
“Managing Engaged Classrooms”
Friday, February 20, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM in 347 Main
Establishing a climate for learning is one of the most challenging aspects of teaching, and one of the most difficult skills to master. For those new to the profession, failure to set the right tone will greatly hinder your effectiveness as a teacher. Indeed, even experienced faculty may sometimes feel frustrated by classroom management issues. This training will highlight the 10 effective classroom management techniques every faculty member should know for creating a positive learning environment — whether you’re a seasoned educator or someone who’s just starting out.
9th Annual Summer Teaching Institute
Next week, The Center for Teaching Excellence and Distance Learning & Instructional Technologies will be hosting The 9th Annual Summer Teaching Institute. Over the course of three days, there will be seven workshops available for faculty to attend as they gear up for the fall semester, and one lucky participant will win a Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920.
Attendees receive one entry into the drawing for each session they attend. You can receive up to five entries!
Registration is required for each session, visit grcc.edu/ctereg to get started.
Hispanic Student Organization members attend leadership conference
Francisco Ramirez and Jose Mora took seven members of the Hispanic Student Organization to the 2014 United States Hispanic Leadership Institute Conference last weekend in Chicago. USHLI is a national, nonprofit, nonpartisan and tax-exempt organization that organizes and conducts leadership development programs in 40 states.
The students who attended were HSO members Flora Garcia (President), Christoffer Ramirez (Vice President), Yadira So (Treasurer), Gabriel Stapert (Secretary), Yolanda Cruz-Olguin, Andrea Valazquez and Manuel Uribe. The group met one of our former U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Antonia Novello.
GRCC was approached by other institutions’ student groups to engage in projects to create a network of information for Latin@ students.
The Latest from GRCC TV on YouTube: ‘Cooking with Angus,’ Faculty Learning Day
“Cooking with Angus: Fishing in the Grand River”
“GRCC Faculty Learning Day: Morning Session”
“GRCC Faculty Learning Day: Afternoon Session”
Photos from Faculty Learning Day
The talents and expertise of GRCC educators were on display during the annual Faculty Learning Day on January 9.
GRCC In the News, 1-9-14
Teaching and learning to take center stage during GRCC Faculty Learning Day
Jan. 8, 2014; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College will host its annual Faculty Learning Day on Thursday, an event where instructors will present on teaching techniques ranging from flipping the classroom to changing self-defeating behaviors.
Ice-sculpting invitational carves into downtown Holland
Jan. 8, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal
Some of the nation’s best collegiate ice sculptors will carve their way through downtown Holland this weekend.
Five student teams, including one team from Grand Rapids Community College, will compete Friday and Saturday in the Collegiate Ice Carving Invitational by the National Ice Carving Association.
GRPD Chief Belk announces retirement
Jan. 8, 2014; WOOD TV
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – Grand Rapids Police Chief Kevin Belk is retiring, city manager Greg Sundstrom announced Wednesday morning in a news release.
… Belk obtained a criminal justice degree from Grand Rapids Community College in 1979, and attended Grand Valley State University’s Police Academy that same year.
Team Misfit Boxing building foundation, changing lives
Jan. 8, 2014; The Holland Sentinel
Holland, Mich. — Team Misfit Boxing — the name says it all.
… “We are trying to change the game for these kids’ lives and our community,” said Frankie Cisneros, who runs Team Misfit. “They are doing a great job of doing their part with heart and determination to being more disciplined to change the game and their lives.”
(Article doesn’t mention it, but Mr. Cisneros is a GRCC student.)
Local athletes compete at collegiate level
Jan. 7, 2014; cadillacnews.com
… Mid Michigan Community College freshman Trevor Gernaat (McBain NMC) scored 11 points and grabbed five rebounds in the Lakers’ 96-82 loss to Glen Oaks CC on Dec. 30.
He scored 23 points and grabbed three rebounds in an 82-75 loss to Grand Rapids Community College on Saturday.
Photos from the Autumn Cider and Donuts Open House
The Center for Teaching Excellence and Staff Development hosted the Autumn Cider and Donuts Open House this week.
Faculty Lecture Monday Afternoon
An announcement from Jeremy Osborn, of the Center for Teaching Excellence: During this busy time of year, I wanted to let you know about a great opportunity to take a break and celebrate the excellent research of one of your colleagues. On Monday (November 18) from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. in 333 Calkins, Matt Douglas, Professor of Biological Sciences will offer a presentation on the wildlife of Costa Rica, Panama, and Tanzania. The presentation is sure to be full of fascinating information and great photos of butterflies, frogs, giraffes, baboons, elephants, lions, and many other species. There’s no need to RSVP–just show up. As an added bonus, refreshments will also be provided!
Have a great weekend, and we hope to see you on Monday!
Open house features cider, donuts
The call of winter is in the air. The temperatures are dropping, the leaves are changing, and everyone is hard at work. If you need a little break, sprinkled with some fall spirit, please attend the Autumn Cider and Donuts Open House, hosted by the Center for Teaching Excellence and Staff Development. The Open House will take place tomorrow, Thursday, November 14, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in room 120 of the ATC. There is no need to RSVP–just drop in. Snacks, cider, and great conversation will be provided.
Center for Teaching Excellence hosts open house
Fall (Winter) is in the air. The temperatures are dropping, the leaves are changing, and everyone is hard at work. If you need a little break, sprinkled with some Fall spirit, please attend the Autumn Cider and Donuts Open House, hosted by the Center for Teaching Excellence and Staff Development. The Open House will take place this Thursday November 14, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in room 120 of the ATC. There is no need to RSVP–just drop in. Snacks, cider, and great conversation will be provided.
November Events from the Center for Teaching Excellence
This month, the Center for Teaching Excellence is hosting a variety of workshops and special events. All of our workshops are open to any faculty member (full-time or adjunct) or staff member at GRCC and you can register online at www.grcc.edu/ctereg. You can also see our schedule in calendar form at www.grcc.edu/centerforteachingexcellence/calendarofevents. There you can click on individual events to see details.
Below is a list of our upcoming events…
Michigan State Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education Program Open House
Wednesday, November 6, 12:00 – 1:30 in 347 Main
Refreshments will be provided
Addressing Student Behaviors of Concern
Tuesday, November 12, 12:00 – 1:00 in 347 Main
What is an Honors Contract?
Thursday, November 14, 3:15 – 4:15 in 347 Main
Training for Rank and Tenure Portfolio Committee Members
Monday, November 18, 3:00 – 4:00 in 347 Main
Faculty Lecture: “A comparison of the wildlife of Panama and Costa Rica with the wildlife of Tanzania”
Matt Douglas will present on his IIPD grant research on Monday, November 18, 2:00 – 3:30 in 333 Calkins
Refreshments will be provided
Evaluating Web Resources
Tuesday, November 19, 12:00 – 1:00 in 347 Main
Using Blackboard Discussions to Increase Student Engagement
Tuesday, November 19, 5:30 – 6:30 in 351 Main
Creating Rubrics
Wednesday, November 20, 3:15 – 4:15 in 347 Main
Disability Dynamics: Effectively Teaching Veteran Students with Disabilities
Friday, November 22, 9:15 – 10:45 in 347 Main
If you need help with registration or have any questions, please contact us at CTE@grcc.edu or 234-2278.
We hope to see you soon!
Open house features cider, donuts
It’s October at GRCC and Fall is in the air. The temperatures are dropping; the leaves are changing, and everyone is hard at work. If you need a little break, sprinkled with some Fall spirit, mark your calendars for the Autumn Cider and Donuts Open House, hosted by the Center for Teaching Excellence and Staff Development. The Open House will take place on November 14, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in room 120 of the ATC. There is no need to RSVP–just drop in. Snacks, cider, and great conversation will be provided.
Thank you for everything you do, and we hope to see you on the 14th!
EMPLOYEES ON THE MOVE September/October
Welcome to GRCC!
- Jeffrey Byrd, Educational Training Specialist, Training Solutions. Reports To: John VanElst. Effective Date: September 3, 2013.
- Luis Rodriguez-Cruz, Custodian (Main/Cook). Reports to: Robert Green. Effective Date: September 30, 2013
- Simon Kittok, Media Caption Technician. Reports To: Klaas Kwant. Effective Date: September 30, 2013.
- David Fortuna Jr.,Custodian (Tassell M-TEC/ATC). Reports to: David Emelander. Effective Date: October 14, 2013.
Welcome back to GRCC
- Anna Rose, ESP, Dean, Instructional Support and Interdisciplinary Studies. Reports to: Patti Trepkowski. Effective Date: October 14, 2013.
On the Move
- Willi J. McNeal (Toy), Transfer From: ESP, Director of Library Services. Transfer To: ESP, Center for Teaching Excellence. Reports To: Jeremy Osborn. Effective Date: September 3, 2013.
- Penni Weninger, Transfer from: ESP, Associate Dean, Instructional Support and Interdisciplinary Studies. Transfer to: ESP, Human Resources Assistant. Reports to: Cathy Wilson. Effective Date: September 9, 2013.
- Rhondo Cooper, Transfer from: College Success Coach/Contingency. Transfer to: Director of Upward Bound. Reports to: Diane Patrick. Effective Date: September 23, 2013.
Thank you for your service to GRCC
- Christopher Armstrong, Police Officer. Effective Date: 9/8/2013.
- Tara Wykstra (formerly Reitsma), Food Service Assistant. Effective Date: 9/20/13.
- Joshua Aderholdt, Career Advancement Center Coordinator. Effective Date: October 1, 2013
- Amr Abdel-Wahab, Senior Functional Analyst. Effective Date: October 19, 2013.
The daily employee newsletter of Grand Rapids Community College 