Current Learning Communities
"I have learned so much from these meetings, and I think the others have, as well. We plan to continue meeting indefinitely, and hope to increase our group to include others from units across campus. We're finding it so helpful in breaking down silos and building collaborations focused on first-year students. Of course, the opportunity for a safe space to vent is quite useful, too. I wouldn't have found this group of colleagues/partners if not for the LC. I'm really glad that I did," Winter 2024 Learning Community Participant.
Learning Communities
What is a Learning Community?
Learning Communities (LCs) bring faculty and staff together to foster a 1-2 semester-long conversation on a topic of mutual interest and encourage an application of the knowledge gained. Each LC consists of a facilitator and a group of at least four faculty or staff.
Open vs. Closed Learning Communities
Open Learning Communities are open to faculty and staff from any office, department, or unit on campus. They fill up fast, so check them out!
Closed Learning Communities are open to faculty in specific areas of the university. But anyone can facilitate one for their own department, too.
2024-2025 Year Long (Both Fall and Winter Semesters)
|
Learning Community |
Facilitators |
Location |
Type |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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PLANNING AND SUPPORT OF STUDY AWAY AT GVSU How can Study Away be encouraged, supported, and implemented at GVSU? One of GVSU’s Reach Higher 2025 goals is to provide students with an ‘empowered educational experience’. Study away experiences and other similar High Impact Practices (HIP), are an immersive and effective way to expand both the knowledge and worldview of our students. If we can support and empower these programs, GVSU will stand out from other universities and attract more students. Padnos International Center (PIC) provides support for study abroad programs. No office or entity exists at GVSU to provide similar support for faculty and staff leading study away programs (health forms, liability waivers, budgeting templates, and marketing materials). This Learning Community will provide a forum for sharing experiences about existing and past study away programs and support for future study away opportunities. Through facilitated discussions, participants will be able to learn from peers about what works and what doesn’t when planning and implementing a study away program. |
Facilitator: Peter Wampler, [email protected] Co-Facilitator: Peter Riemersma, [email protected] |
Location/Campus: Hybrid Dates: TBD Times: TBD |
. Open. |
Still accepting applications. |
Fall 2024
|
Learning Community |
Facilitators |
Location |
Type |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES WITH INTEGRATING AI IN ENGINEERING PEDAGOGY How can chat based generative AI enhance engineering education? As the field of engineering education evolves, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both exciting possibilities and critical considerations. In this faculty learning community, we delve into the multifaceted capabilities of chat-based generative AI. Moreover, our discussions will be enriched by engaging with the book. Teaching with AI, which provides a comprehensive exploration of AI's role in educational contexts. Faculty members will have the opportunity to critically analyze the books insights and apply them to their teaching practices. ***This Learning Community is open to Engineering Faculty only.*** |
Facilitator: Abishek Balsamy Kamaraj, [email protected] Co-Facilitator: Nicholas Baine, [email protected] |
Location/Campus: Local restaurant near the downtown campus Dates: TBD Times: TBD
|
Closed. |
Still accepting applications. |
|
Using the science of mindset, how might we best support GVSU student, staff, and faculty growth? Building on GVSU's student success series, this learning community will read and discuss Mary C. Murphy's (2024) book, Cultures of Growth: How the New Science of Mindset Can Transform Individuals, Teams, & Organizations. Dr. Murphy's research demonstrates that, "mindset transcends individuals [and] a growth mindset culture can transform any group, team, or classroom to reach breakthroughs while also helping each person achieve their potential." This learning community will identify how to foster cultures of growth at GVSU, at all levels. |
Facilitator: Erica Hamilton, Office of the Provost, [email protected] Co-Facilitator: David Eick, Modern Languages and Literature and Pew FTLC Faculty Fellow, [email protected] |
Location/Campus: Online/Virtual (with Zoom) Dates: TBD Times: TBD |
Open. |
Still accepting applications. |
|
EXPLORING QUALITY MATTERS FOR ONLINE AND HYBRID COURSES How do your courses measure up with the research on quality standards in online and hybrid course design? In this learning community, participants will gain experience applying internationally-recognized and research-driven standards for online and hybrid courses. |
Facilitator: Glenna Decker, [email protected] Co-Facilitator: Matthew Roberts, [email protected] |
Location/Campus: Online Dates: TBD Times: TBD |
Open. |
Still accepting applications. |
|
INTERDISCIPLINARY HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONS RECONSTRUCTING DEI How might the interdisciplinary healthcare professions work together to become effective DEI models within the classroom and act as change agents? Fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging in the classroom within the interdisciplinary healthcare settings begins with self-awareness. This learning community will act to dive deeper into self-awareness and move towards evidence-based DEI strategies. Together we will work through Lily Zhen's book and workbook, DEI Deconstructed and Reconstructing DEI, to leverage an outcome-oriented understanding of DEI. In addition, we aim to create a comprehensive foundation of actionable techniques to support participants in becoming more effective DEI practitioners, allies, and leaders. ***This Learning Community is open to Interdisciplinary Healthcare Faculty only.***
|
Facilitator: Jay Knight, Nursing, [email protected] Co-Facilitator: Kellie Riley, Nursing, [email protected] |
Location/Campus: Online/Virtual (with Zoom) Dates: TBD Times: TBD |
Closed. |
Still accepting applications. |
|
PREPARING EDUCATION STUDENTS TO BECOME LINGUISTICALLY SUSTAINING PRACTITIONERS How do we intentionally prepare teachers to support English Learners across their literacy and/or English language arts sequence of education coursework? This Learning Community will include faculty who teach courses as a part of the Early Childhood, Elementary Literacy, Secondary ELA, and Secondary TESOL teacher preparation programs. Within our new education programs, undergraduate students in elementary and secondary education are required to complete coursework on teaching English Learners. However, to be effective, these practices must be integrated across discipline-specific education coursework. We will explore together opportunities to deepen our candidates, understanding and application of instruction to support English Learners and build capacity to interact with learners, families, and communities across diverse languages and cultural backgrounds. In connecting across departments, we will build bridges across courses to foster shared language and practices to prepare our pre-service teachers to support English learners. Finally, we will identify gaps and continuities within and across courses to strategically deepen and reinforce learning across programs. |
Facilitator: Christina Ponzio, [email protected] Co-Facilitator: Dan Brown, [email protected] |
Location/Campus: Hybrid Dates: TBD Times: TBD |
Open. |
Still accepting applications. |
|
USE OF AL IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY EDUCATION How might the integration of artificial intelligence in occupational therapy education enhance personalized teaching and learning experiences while addressing potential ethical concerns such as access, bias, and data privacy? This learning community will use the book, Teaching with AI, but Jose Antonio Bowen and C. Edward Watson, to guide a discussion on using AI within occupational therapy education. We will explore the topic from the student and instructor perspective, along with current ethical concerns. ***This Learning Community is open to Occupational Therapy Faculty only.*** |
Facilitator: Breanna Chycinski, [email protected] |
Location/Campus: Health Campus Dates: TBD Times: TBD
|
Closed. |
Still accepting applications. |
Winter 2025
|
Learning Community |
Facilitators |
Location |
Type |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Using the science of mindset, how might we best support GVSU student, staff, and faculty growth? Building on GVSU's student success series, this learning community will read and discuss Mary C. Murphy's (2024) book, Cultures of Growth: How the New Science of Mindset Can Transform Individuals, Teams, & Organizations. Dr. Murphy's research demonstrates that, "mindset transcends individuals [and] a growth mindset culture can transform any group, team, or classroom to reach breakthroughs while also helping each person achieve their potential." This learning community will identify how to foster cultures of growth at GVSU, at all levels. |
Facilitator: Erica Hamilton, Office of the Provost, [email protected] Co-Facilitator: David Eick, Modern Languages and Literature and Pew FTLC Faculty Fellow, [email protected] |
Location/Campus: Online/Virtual (with Zoom) Dates: TDB Times: TBD |
Open. |
Still accepting applications. |
Lead a Learning Community!
Interested in facilitating your own Learning Community?
Already know what you want to learn? Submit an LC Letter of Intent
Need some help deciding? Email us at [email protected]
Facilitating and have questions? Check out the Facilitator Resource Page
For additional information about any of these programs, please contact us at [email protected].