The CEW conducted a three-session afternoon seminar series on the University Park campus for faculty from across disciplines who wished to integrate writing into their courses to help students think critically and learn more actively. Department Heads and Program Directors were invited to nominate members of their faculty for enrollment in the series, but individuals were also invited to nominate themselves after notifying their Head or Director. Participants received John C. Bean’s Engaging Ideas: The Professor’s Guide to Integrating Writing, Critical Thinking, and Active Learning in the Classroom as well as a notebook of handouts and other resources. A three-to-five session series such as this is offered roughly once per semester. For an outline of this series, see FacSemOutline.htm.

Out of twenty-one participants, twenty completed evaluations. On a scale of one to seven, with seven being best: overall quality of series was rated 6.55; overall quality of facilitator was rated 6.6.

Below are selected responses written on evaluation forms or sent separately by e-mail.

A couple of evenings ago, my wife asked me what I was doing, and I told her that I was reading an assignment for our series.  When I explained that I wanted to become a better teacher, her reply was, "I thought you were already a pretty good teacher." I want to let you know that I am enjoying this series immensely.  I feel like I've learned a great deal (I no longer feel so unprepared and unqualified to be a "writing instructor"), and I can see a number of ways in which I will change my honors seminar course, in particular, so as to try and realize the greater value added that I stated at the outset was my goal.  Bean, in particular, is a great source.  Overall, I think I've acquired some knowledge here that will indeed enable me to become a better teacher.  Thanks a lot! –Professor

I am happy that I was able to participate in the faculty seminar on integrating writing, critical thinking and active learning into the classroom.  The seminar was extremely beneficial to me.  I have certainly gained some insight into thinking about how to design the classroom to increase student interest and responsibility --- neither of which are easy tasks.  And more importantly, for someone with little teaching experience like me, it helped me to see that more experienced teachers from across the disciplines have similar problems/difficulties both engaging students, and designing and evaluating writing assignments.  It certainly has given me a lot to think about in terms of developing my skills as a teacher!  And finally, my involvement in your seminar has also motivated me in my own writing. –Graduate Teaching Assistant

Excellent seminar! Immensely valuable. I’m still a bit apprehensive about using informal, nongraded writing, but at least now I’m willing to try. I will from now on be a “recovering hyper-editor”! The opportunity to discuss teaching and writing with colleagues from other disciplines was a great aspect of the course! –Assistant Professor

Bean, particularly, offered fantastic, eminently applicable suggestions; in-class exercises were also good models. Bean was a breath of fresh air—very liberating. I would have liked to have had more discussion/exercises on in-class assignments and designing component assignments of larger projects that help students learn through rough writing. Grading issues were not something I’d paid much attention to, being of the “I know an A when I see one” school. [The discussion of grading criteria] helped me see how refining and defining grading criteria helps do the same for objectives. –Post-Doc Teaching Fellow

Enjoyed the series due to (1) the thought-provoking interaction, (2) the reference materials, and (3) the ideas generated. –Senior Research Associate

A great seminar series, very informative and helpful. The handouts were very good, and I am sure to use them in my classroom. –Assistant Professor

Enjoyed thoroughly. Will be contacting all faculty that are involved in “W” courses to discuss syllbi. –Senior Lecturer

I found the series to be extremely valuable and challenging for me as an instructor of two writing-intensive courses. As undergraduate officer in [my department], I have learned a great deal that will be of value to my colleagues who teach “W” courses. –Professor

I very much enjoyed the “Series.” I also enjoyed your style of instruction and your passion for this issue. –Professor

Very useful. Would have liked a little less time on faculty participation and more time hearing possible solutions from Olson. –Professor

This has been a fabulous opportunity to discuss teaching and writing with colleagues from other disciplines—I gained a great deal! --Rank not given