Apply now to participate in a Faculty Learning Community!

Mon, 09 May 2022 09:59:46 -0400

Dear Colleagues,

No matter how long you’ve taught, there is always something you can learn from your colleagues. And if you generally prepare and teach your classes in isolation, you may wish you had more opportunities to have the kinds of conversations with colleagues from across the disciplines that would enrich your teaching practice, help you improve student engagement, and deepen your sense of belonging to a community of scholars. Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs) at UMBC fill this niche. The Faculty Development Center is pleased to announce four new proposed topics for the 10th annual offering of Faculty Learning Communities in AY 2022-23:

Teaching Creativity Across Disciplines

Flexible, Alternative, or “Un”grading Strategies

Inclusive Writing Pedagogies

Contemplative Pedagogies

What are FLCs? Faculty Learning Communities are groups of 6-12 self-selected faculty who are co-learners, joining together across disciplines for a year-long exploration of specific evidence-based teaching practices. FLCs support faculty in developing a new pedagogical approach, new kinds of assignments, and/or new ways to assess student learning. Participants who meet the attendance requirements (missing no more than 3 out of approximately 11 meetings over the academic year) receive a professional development award. The meeting format for each FLC, in-person or virtual, will be determined by the preference of the facilitators and the majority of the applicants.

Who is eligible? All current faculty, as well as staff who teach, are encouraged to participate.

To apply: The application form contains descriptions of each of the proposed FLCs. Please submit your application to fdc@umbc.edu by Friday, June 17th. Although you can only participate in one FLC, you may apply to more than one, ranking your choices on the application form. Pending budget decisions, the FLCs that receive the greatest numbers of applicants will go forward as FDC-sponsored FLCs for 2022-23.

To learn more about the FLC program: Please visit the FLC page on the FDC’s website.

Regards,
Kerrie