The Student Engagement Seminar Series & Panel Discussion is designed to promote student engagement and deeper learning in any size class. The series includes evidence-based learning activities and strategies to prepare students for learning, engage in meaningful discussions and group work, and capture attention with complementary activities during lectures. Instructors and staff who are looking for specific and practical ways to increase engagement or simply freshen up a course are welcome to attend. Participants who attend all four seminars will receive a copy of Todd Zakrajsek’s book, Dynamic Lecturing: Research-Based Strategies to Enhance Lecture Effectiveness. The seminar series will conclude with a Panel Discussion Event in March 2020, where University of Michigan instructors will share their innovative approaches to engaging today’s college students.  

This event is sponsored by LSA Technology Services’ Learning and Teaching Group.  

• Group Collaborations Seminar - Group work can be an effective and engaging learning experience for students. Not only does it allow for collaboration and cooperation, but it provides an opportunity to think critically about course content. However, group assignments should be carefully designed to help students meet course outcomes and to promote positive group dynamics. This seminar will focus on designing effective group assignments and facilitating quality peer interaction. 

        October 18 from 10:00–11:00 a.m. in ScholarSpace- 

        Register Now for Group Collaborations

• Interactive Lecture Seminar - Lecturing works! Educators have been using lecture for hundreds of years and it is particularly effective early in a course and with students who have limited content knowledge. However, research has shown that lecture can be improved by integrating active learning strategies into the lesson—even in classes with 300 or more students! This seminar will briefly discuss the research that supports interactive lectures and explores some lecturing techniques and engaging group activities that can help students meet course outcomes.

        November 15 from 10:00–11:00 a.m. in ScholarSpace

        Register now for Interactive Lecture Seminar

• Discussion Seminar - Group discussions are widely used in the college classroom as a way for students to explore, understand, and reflect on course content. Students have the opportunity to think through ideas while using peers as a sounding board. Effective group discussions are equitable, structured, and have a learning objective. This seminar will explore criteria for designing an effective discussion assignment, including writing quality discussion questions and facilitating positive group exchange. 

        January 17 from 10:00–11:00 a.m. in ScholarSpace

        Register now for Discussion Seminar

• Active Learning Strategies Seminar - Keeping students engaged in the course content and motivated to learn can be challenging. Integrating specific active learning strategies into class can challenge higher order thinking and create experiences in which students can apply what they have learned. The key is to find an activity that helps students achieve their learning outcomes. For example, do you need an activity to activate prior knowledge, apply a concept, challenge critical thinking, or simply delve into course content? This seminar will help instructors think more deliberately about when, why, and how to use active learning.

            February 21 from 10:00–11:00 a.m. in ScholarSpace 

Register now for the Active Learning Strategies Seminar