Queen’s educators will share some of their new and innovative teaching practices at this year’s Showcase of Teaching and Learning, the annual event hosted by the Centre for Teaching and Learning.

Taking place on May 5, the Showcase will provide an opportunity to hear from colleagues about initiatives that are helping them to enhance the student learning experience in their classrooms.

“The Showcase is one of our most popular events and a great way to raise awareness of many successful teaching innovations being put into practice at Queen’s,” says Peter Wolf, Associate Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning) and Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning. “It is an event that will be of interest to everyone, from graduate students to faculty and staff, interested in learning about effective new strategies to enhance the classroom experience.”

Richard Ascough, Professor and Director of the School of Religion, will present on his use of a “parallel process” in his classes. He takes time after certain activities to explain his pedagogical strategies and make the connection to learning outcomes. He has found that this results in less anxiety about assignments and higher quality student work.

“I’m participating because I always learn a lot from my colleagues at these events and I hope that sharing my own experiences will perhaps inspire ideas in others,” says Dr. Ascough. “If someone else is able to adapt something I do to help student engagement and learning in their own classrooms, then it is time very well spent.”

It is an event that will be of interest to everyone, from graduate students to faculty and staff, interested in learning about effective new strategies to enhance the classroom experience.”

- Peter Wolf, Associate Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning) and Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning

Another highlight of the event is a keynote address by Geoff Scott on effective learning in the 21st Century. Dr. Scott is an emeritus professor of higher education and sustainability at the University of Western Sydney, and leader of the United Nations endorsed Regional Centre of Expertise in Education for Sustainable Development.

Dr. Scott will also lead a separate event on May 4, Teaching and Learning Leaders in Times of Change, where he will lead a discussion on how universities can proactively meet the challenges and expectations facing their institutions.