I have been hearing over and over from faculty members that they would like to do more book groups as was done with “Mindsets” a few years ago. The CDI and the Faculty Development committee have partnered and are excited to bring that opportunity back this year with “Small Teaching - Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning” by James Lang. This book takes a look at ways you can improve student learning by implementing small scale-changes that can make a big impact. The models presented consolidates the research and are designed to be used by faculty of any disciplines. The techniques described in the book are designed to be implemented as one time experiences to invigorate a specific session or can be combined to develop an entirely new teaching approach.

Each chapter introduces a basic concept in cognitive theory, explains when and how it should be employed and provides examples of how the intervention has been used in a variety of disciplines.

A good summary of key concepts can be found in the Small changes in Teaching series in the Chronicle of Higher Education. Lang’s work is well researched and provides a long list of evidence-based practical solutions.

Over the course of the semester the group will gather 4 times and discuss the concepts in the book. The time can be used to brainstorm how these ideas can be used in your courses and how you can incorporate them into your individual teaching approaches.

Upon Completion of the Learning Community, you will receive a letter from the Center of Dynamic Instruction recognising your engagement in and completion of this faculty learning community.