Christine Denecker, Ph.D.
Director, Center for Teaching Excellence
Professor of English
Welcome!
Welcome to Excel@Teaching 2019 sponsored by the University of Findlay’s Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE). This year’s theme, “Beyond the Talking Head,” puts the spotlight on teaching strategies that engage and challenge students to practice their skills, think critically, and apply what they are learning.
From undergraduate research, case studies, and experiential opportunities to punctuating lectures with questions, technologies, and activities—the sessions at this year's conference promise to energize participants in their shared goal of enabling exceptional, transformative learning experiences. In addition, Excel@Teaching 2019 offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage in cross-disciplinary pedagogical conversations that lead to the exploration and celebration of best teaching practices in higher education.
Prepare to be inspired, motivated, and engaged as you give witness to and share in what it means to “Excel at Teaching,” a motto, which is at the heart of the CTE’s mission. Thanks for being a part of this inspirational day!
Sarah Fedirka, Ph.D.
Excel @ Teaching Committee Chair
Associate Professor of English
2019 takes Excel @ Teaching in a new direction. This year marks our move from a spring semester Saturday to a starring role in Fall Welcome Week. This change demonstrates the event’s significance to our campus community, and the planning committee thanks the administration and Faculty Senate for making this move possible. A place to showcase innovative teaching strategies and best practices, Excel @ Teaching provides high quality professional development for faculty and staff. In line with this year’s theme beyond the talking head, Excel @ Teaching 2019 promises wide-ranging perspectives on developing student voices, teaching hacks, and teaching outside the classroom. New this year are the engaged learning workshops. These sessions are intended to facilitate collaborative and experiential learning opportunities among participants.
This year we will again offer the Reading Source Silent Auction—a chance for you to support student research at the university by bidding on donated, new books of personal and professional interest. Last year the Reading Source auction raised over $200 for Student Academic Development. Let’s set a new record.
Excel @ Teaching remains one of my favorite campus events. Each year, I come away inspired by my colleagues and energized for the work we collectively do. I hope you will join us fall 2019 for what I know will be a day of meaningful conversation about college teaching at all levels. I can’t think of a better way to start the semester. I look forward to seeing you there.
University of Findlay Committee Members: