Discipline and Program Workshops are opportunities for faculty within a particular discipline or program to meet in a system-wide gathering. The primary focus of these workshops is the improvement of teaching and learning within specific discipline and program areas.
Important Dates
Proposals for Discipline Workshops will be due October 1, 2003 for workshops to be held during Spring Semester of 2004 and March 1 for workshops to be held Fall Semester of 2004.
Application for funds (opens in ".doc" format.)
Amount of awards: $1,000 - $10,000
Faculty and administrators may apply for funds to support professional development workshops for faculty in specific programs or disciplines. We especially encourage applications from technical occupational areas.
Questions on preparing proposals are answered in the discipline workshop FAQ section or contact Carol Steimer Bailey (651-649-5744 or carol.steimerbailey@so.mnscu.edu ) or any other CTL staff member.
Frequently Asked Questions
What disciplines or programs are currently planning workshops?
Workshops are currently being planned for Fall 2003 in the areas of Computer Education, Developmental Education, Sociology, Economics, and English Composition. The planning teams, representing all three types of institutions within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, are planning discussions on transfer issues, collaboration, pedagogy and instructional design. If you don't see your area listed here, chances are that you are the one needed to lead the way! If you are writing a proposal and have questions, please call us!
What disciplines have met in the past?
Biology, Business, Computer Educators, English, Farm Business Management, Nursing, Speech Communications, ESL, Developmental Education, Chemistry, Library, Allied Health Programs, Mathematics, Drug and Alcohol Counseling, Sociology, Anthropology, Humanities, Journalism, Philosophy, Geography, Foreign Language, Health/P.E., Human Services
Has your group met? Are you overdue for a workshop? Groups are welcome to apply for a workshop once a year. We are strongly encouraging applications from technical occupational areas.
What would be the agenda?
You set the agenda. The primary focus of the workshop should be on teaching and learning issues. You could focus on a teaching technique and explore how to apply it to your courses; for example, you could explore active learning, group work, assessment techniques, and brain-based education. You may learn about new content areas and how these can be integrated into your courses. Larger issues that affect the classroom, such as diversity and civility, can also be topics. We also encourage you to include time for discussion of system-wide issues such as transfer.
The format of the workshop varies depending on your goals. To be the most productive use of time, focus on one to three specific topics. Set goals or outcomes for the workshop and then plan activities that will produce those outcomes. You may want to bring in an outside speaker (we can help you with ideas) or you may want your colleagues to facilitate sessions. Sessions can be hands-on such as trying equipment or taking tours. Workshops can either be a day or 1 ½ days.
Where are the workshops located?
The choice is yours. Think about the format of the workshop, your location, and needs of participants. College campuses, hotels, and resorts are possibilities. Call for recommendations.
What kind of work is involved in planning a workshop?
The first step is to write the proposal. This may be the hardest part because you need to set some goals, plan a rough agenda, set a site and date, and get estimates for costs. CTL is willing to help you with ideas so please call.
If your proposal is accepted, you will receive project management guidelines.
This document is a step-by-step manual on the tasks that you need to do, how to do these tasks, along with the tasks that CTL will do. Paperwork is included along with examples.
The types of tasks you would need to do are make arrangements for meeting rooms, lodging rooms, and meals. CTL will secure names of faculty to be invited and send out registration forms along with other means of publicity. Participants can arrange their own lodging. Speakers would have to be contacted and the agenda finalized.
Sound like work? Yes it is, but organization goes a long way! We encourage you to partner with somebody to split up the tasks. Keep in mind that CTL can assist you in many ways and that we do offer stipends to each planning team in recognition of your work. We are strongly encouraging each planning team to include representatives from each type of institution.
Are these workshops worthwhile?
Yes! To quote from past planners:
"The conference was very successful based on the number and diversity of participants, as well as the enthusiastic and stimulating interactions displayed." - Developmental Education Workshop Planner James Wilmesmeier, St. Cloud State University
"According to conference participants (and I agree) it is one of the most valuable sessions they attend each year." -- Alcohol & Drug Counseling Workshop Planner William Payne, Metropolitan State University
"The CTL office was available to answer any questions I had concerning the grant.Most everyone appreciated the ability to have a 'hands-on' workshop." - Management (Farm Business, Small Business, and Lamb & Wool) Workshop Planner Dave Larson, Minnesota West - Pipestone
"It was a success in terms of conference planning, variety of sessions, quality of presentations, and networking opportunities. However, it was most successful in terms of a collaborative effort among all levels of mathematics educators, ranging from the elementary level through higher education." - Mathematics Workshop Planner Sue Ehlers, Inver Hills Community College (joint conference with Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics)
Evaluations from participants:
"The discussion about authentic teaching was great!"
"I love the comment 'trust my colleagues." The great benefit is we get to know each other."
"I will hook up with and use other's ideas that I am now aware of and try 'new stuff'!"
"Good hands-on application - useful for out programs."
"Excellent, relevant workshop - excellent set-up, well spent day!"
"I'm finishing the day with some good ideas that will become action."
What if there are only 10 faculty from my program or discipline?
We encourage workshops to have at least 10 participants. If your field has few instructors consider planning an interdisciplinary workshop. What other programs are related to your own?
Can I talk to somebody about my ideas?
Yes! We strongly encourage you to run your ideas past Carol Steimer Bailey. She can be contacted at 651-649-5744 or carol.steimerbailey@so.mnscu.edu .
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