Part-time faculty members get creative

The Concordia University Part-time Faculty Association (CUPFA), together with the Office of the Vice-Provost, Teaching and Learning and the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTLS), hosted the annual orientation session for more than 35 part-time faculty members on September 25.

Part-time faculty members participated in a series of workshops during an orientation session on September 25. | Photo by John Bentley

This year’s themes of creativity of learning were reflected in the hands-on professional development sessions, which focused on teaching strategies, strategies for the first day of classes, the pedagogical power of social media, the power of feedback, and dealing with critical incidents in the classroom.
The day focused on hands-on experience, with practical suggestions to enhance student learning. The first set of morning workshops examined new pedagogical tools and teaching strategies.

The second set of workshops emphasized the value and use of technologies (social media, clickers) available to enhance the learning experience. The afternoon plenary sessions put part-time faculty in the driver’s seat, using creative methods to foster a learning community for students and respond to critical situations.

In addition to having one of their own part-time faculty members, Alex Enkerli (sociology and anthropology), conduct the workshop on social media, the orientation program featured Nancy Acemian (computer science and software engineering), Robert Cassidy (Department of Psychology), Steven Henle (applied human sciences), and Robert Reid (chair of the Department of Theatre) as the keynote speaker. This dynamic team was enhanced with the pedagogical professionals of John Bentley and Janette Barrington from CTLS.

It was quite a line-up, but that’s not all.

Part-time faculty member Salinda Hess (sociology and anthropology) won the draw for an iPad offered by the Office of the Vice Provost, Teaching and Learning.

“There is no finer way to share our talents and to use the opportunities that technology provides for student learning. The synergy was so electric, part-time faculty wanted more," says Maria Peluso, CUPFA President. 

Related links:
•    Office of the Vice-Provost, Teaching and Learning 
•    Centre for Teaching and Learning Services 
•    CUPFA