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Friday, January 24
8 am
First Week Check-in and Reflection
Open Forum
Join colleagues as we check-in after the first week of the semester. What went well that others could replicate? What struggles and challenges did we encounter? Come for conversation and collaboration as we celebrate the wins and develop strategies to address the struggles.
Moderator: Amy Bryant, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, and Director, The Teaching Center
Register for this open forum
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, January 24
9 am – 9:50 am
Who is the Reading Support Student? And how can we help them succeed? (L, E, D, S, CRTP)
Presentation
If you’re reading this, you are most likely a stakeholder in Learning Support. Many of our students must make it through learning support classes before completing the bulk of their credits. This presentation will teach you all about the Reading Support class many of your students are required to take. We will share the details of students who are required to take the class and how the class impacts their success at NSCC. We will share course outcomes and some of the activities and assignments we have created as well as the benefits thereof. Additionally, we would also appreciate your ideas and participation: what reading skills, study skills, or types of readings do your students need more practice with to be successful in your classes? We would love to collaborate across disciplines to make sure students who are required to take Reading Support are as successful as possible.
Presenters: Audrey Cross, Assistant Professor of Reading Support and Teaching Center Fellow; and Katherine Sorenson, Associate Professor and LS Reading Course Lead
Register for this presentation
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, January 24
10 am – 10:50 am
Visual Aids that Influence (L, S, CRTP)
Presentation
This presentation will present science-based approaches to creating effective PowerPoints and visual aids to enhance learning, based on the book “stop talking, start influencing,” by Jared Cooney Horvath.
Presenter: Harlan Pease, Associate Professor of Communications and English, Teaching Center Fellow
Register for this presentation
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, January 24
11 am – 11:50 am
Using Real-Life Problems to Make Learning More Interesting
Panel Discussion
Our panelists will provide examples of how they have incorporated the use of real-life problems to make learning more interesting.
Panelists: Tom Holmes, John Knox, Zach Mills, and Rachel Lewis
Register for this panel discussion
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, January 24
12 pm – 12:50 pm
The Future of OER at NSCC (L, E, A, D, S, CRTP)
Panel Discussion
Join us for an update on OER at Nashville State. We will examine the savings and impact of ongoing OER courses, talk with OER adopters and adapters, and consider the future of OER texts, libraries, and curricula in the classroom.
Presenter: Robert Ladd
Register for this panel discussion
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, January 24
1 pm – 1:25 pm
Feel Good Productivity: Highlights from the book by Ali Abdaal (L)
Presentation
I bought this audiobook and after listening I wanted to share what I feel are some powerful reminders on what makes hard work feel better and how a focus on personal well being can serve as a basis for driving motivation.
Presenter: Kurstin Bush, Assistant Professor of Education and Teaching Fellow
Register for this presentation
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, January 31
8 am – 8:50 am
Nudge Nudge (L, S)
Presentation
This presentation will share ideas from the book Nudge, by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein. We will look at what a nudge is, and then look at key takeaways from the book that have potential value in course design and the classroom.
Presenter: Harlan Pease, Associate Professor of Communications and English, Teaching Center Fellow
Register for this presentation
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, January 31
9 am
PLC Hidden Potential
Professional Learning Community
This Professional Learning Community (PLC) is dedicated to exploring the insights and principles from Adam Grant’s Hidden Potential. To prepare for this session, please read Chapter 1: Creatures of Discomfort and Chapter 2: Human Sponges.
Moderators: Neely Ann Sheucraft, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, Fellow, The Teaching Center; and Amy Bryant, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, and Director, The Teaching Center
Register for this Professional Learning Community
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, January 31
11 am – 11:50 am
Learning from NSCC’s Watermark Results (L, E, A, D, S, CRTP)
Presentation
Join us as we analyze our NSCC college-wide Watermark survey report from Fall 2024. We will use the college-wide report to allow us to see a big-picture perspective of the Watermark survey results for faculty to use the college-wide results and own individual results for planning for the upcoming semesters. Note: The workshop will focus on college-wide results, only. No individual’s results will be shared.
Presenter: Amy Bryant, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, and Director of The Teaching Center
Register for this presentation
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, January 31
12 pm – 12:50 pm
Creation – Infinite Games and the Top of the Pyramid (L, E, A, S, CRTP)
Presentation
Whether it be a pandemic, Artificial Intelligence, or virtual classrooms, education has been changing. This presentation will take a look at centering “creation” as a core tenant of the evaluation process as a method to create meaning and engagement in the classroom. This is for faculty looking for a way to combat disengaged students.
Presenter: Robert Ladd
Register for this presentation
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, February 7
8 am
How stereotypes affect us (and our students) and what we can do: Whistling Vivaldi Professional Learning Community (L, E, D, S)
Professional Learning Community
“What is an “identity contingency?” How are we influenced by “stereotype threats?”
Join us this spring for a professional learning community (PLC) where we will discuss Whistling Vivaldi, by Claude M. Steele (an Issues of Our Time book). We will learn why the author believes stereotype threats are “a standard predicament of life,” and, more importantly, we will learn about and discuss the influence of stereotypes on identity and performance and how we can work to reduce the strength and influence of stereotype threats.
Please read chapters one and two for this PLC session.
A limited number of books will be available for PLC participants.
Presenter: Harlan Pease, Associate Professor of Communication Studies and English, and Fellow, The Teaching Center
Register for this professional learning community
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, February 7
9 am
PLC Hidden Potential
Professional Learning Community
This Professional Learning Community (PLC) is dedicated to exploring the insights and principles from Adam Grant’s Hidden Potential. To prepare for this session, please read Chapter 3: The Imperfectionist and Chapter 4: Transforming the Daily Grind.
Moderators: Neely Ann Sheucraft, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, Fellow, The Teaching Center; and Amy Bryant, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, and Director, The Teaching Center
Register for this Professional Learning Community
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, February 7
12 pm – 12:50 pm
AI, AI, Oh… (L, E, A, D, S, CRTP)
Presentation
Artificial Intelligence has impacted our approaches to education. In this presentation, we will discover types of AI-resistant assignments that are more resistant to academic dishonesty in the age of AI and discover types of AI-inclusive assignments that use AI tools during the creation of assignments.
Presenter: Amy Bryant, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, and Director, The Teaching Center
Register for this presentation
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, February 14
8 am
How stereotypes affect us (and our students) and what we can do: Whistling Vivaldi Professional Learning Community (L, E, D, S)
Professional Learning Community
“What is an “identity contingency?” How are we influenced by “stereotype threats?”
Join us this spring for a professional learning community (PLC) where we will discuss Whistling Vivaldi, by Claude M. Steele (an Issues of Our Time book). We will learn why the author believes stereotype threats are “a standard predicament of life,” and, more importantly, we will learn about and discuss the influence of stereotypes on identity and performance and how we can work to reduce the strength and influence of stereotype threats.
Please read chapters three and four for this PLC session.
A limited number of books will be available for PLC participants.
Presenter: Harlan Pease, Associate Professor of Communication Studies and English, and Fellow, The Teaching Center
Register for this professional learning community
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, February 14
9 am
PLC Hidden Potential
Professional Learning Community
This Professional Learning Community (PLC) is dedicated to exploring the insights and principles from Adam Grant’s Hidden Potential. To prepare for this session, please read Chapter 5: Getting Unstuck and Chapter 6: Defying Gravity.
Moderators: Neely Ann Sheucraft, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, Fellow, The Teaching Center; and Amy Bryant, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, and Director, The Teaching Center
Register for this Professional Learning Community
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, February 14
11 am – 11:50 am
Tried and True Tips and Strategies for Online Teaching (L, E, A, D, S, CRTP)
Presentation
In this presentation, we will explore effective, time-tested tips and strategies for successful online teaching. You’ll discover practical techniques to engage students through feedback and create dynamic learning experiences in online environments. Whether you’re new to online teaching or looking to enhance your current practices, this session will equip you with actionable insights to navigate and thrive in the online classroom.
Presenters: Audrey Cross, Assistant Professor of Reading Support and Teaching Center Fellow, and Amy Bryant, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, and Director, The Teaching Center
Register for this presentation
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, February 14
12 pm – 12:50 pm
How to Foster a Growth Mindset in Students (L, E, A, D, S, CRTP)
Panel Discussion
Panelists: Jessica Rabb, Devora Manier, Zach Mills, Laura Burridge, and Kassidy Schmidt
Register for this panel discussion
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, February 21
8 am
How stereotypes affect us (and our students) and what we can do: Whistling Vivaldi Professional Learning Community (L, E, D, S)
Professional Learning Community
“What is an “identity contingency?” How are we influenced by “stereotype threats?”
Join us this spring for a professional learning community (PLC) where we will discuss Whistling Vivaldi, by Claude M. Steele (an Issues of Our Time book). We will learn why the author believes stereotype threats are “a standard predicament of life,” and, more importantly, we will learn about and discuss the influence of stereotypes on identity and performance and how we can work to reduce the strength and influence of stereotype threats.
Please read chapters five and six for this PLC session.
A limited number of books will be available for PLC participants.
Presenter: Harlan Pease, Associate Professor of Communication Studies and English, and Fellow, The Teaching Center
Register for this professional learning community
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, February 21
9 am
PLC Hidden Potential
Professional Learning Community
This Professional Learning Community (PLC) is dedicated to exploring the insights and principles from Adam Grant’s Hidden Potential. To prepare for this session, please read Chapter 7: Every Child Gets Ahead and Chapter 8: Mining for Gold.
Moderators: Neely Ann Sheucraft, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, Fellow, The Teaching Center; and Amy Bryant, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, and Director, The Teaching Center
Register for this Professional Learning Community
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, February 21
10:30 am – 12 pm
Pioneering and Forecasted AI Use Cases in Advising, Career Services, and Student Success – Zoom
This session delves into the cutting-edge of AI, showcasing pioneering use cases and forecasting future applications. We’ll explore how AI can optimize student success through personalized learning pathways, streamlined processes, and data-driven decision making. Responsible implementation and ethical practices will be central to the conversation, ensuring AI fosters student engagement, retention, and a thriving academic environment.
Register to attend this session virtually
Zoom Passcode: AISession3
Friday, February 28
8 am
How stereotypes affect us (and our students) and what we can do: Whistling Vivaldi Professional Learning Community (L, E, D, S)
Professional Learning Community
“What is an “identity contingency?” How are we influenced by “stereotype threats?”
Join us this spring for a professional learning community (PLC) where we will discuss Whistling Vivaldi, by Claude M. Steele (an Issues of Our Time book). We will learn why the author believes stereotype threats are “a standard predicament of life,” and, more importantly, we will learn about and discuss the influence of stereotypes on identity and performance and how we can work to reduce the strength and influence of stereotype threats.
Please read chapters seven and eight for this PLC session.
A limited number of books will be available for PLC participants.
Presenter: Harlan Pease, Associate Professor of Communication Studies and English, and Fellow, The Teaching Center
Register for this professional learning community
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, February 28
9 am
PLC Hidden Potential
Professional Learning Community
This Professional Learning Community (PLC) is dedicated to exploring the insights and principles from Adam Grant’s Hidden Potential. To prepare for this session, please read Chapter 9: Diamonds in the Rough and Epilogue and Reflection
Moderators: Neely Ann Sheucraft, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, Fellow, The Teaching Center; and Amy Bryant, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, and Director, The Teaching Center
Register for this Professional Learning Community
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, March 21
12 pm – 12:50 pm
Using Technology to Enhance Student Learning and Engagement (L, E, A, D, S, CRTP)
Panel Discussion
Panelists: Devora Manier, Zach Mills
Register for this panel discussion
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, March 28
9 am – 9:50 am
Teaching in 7-week Terms – Strategies for Success
Panel Discussion
Panelists: Doug Godwin, Jesmin Akther, Zach Mills, Michelle Bowen
Register for this panel discussion
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, March 28
10:30 am – 12 pm
From Blank Page to Masterpiece: AI-Powered Creative Exploration (writing, research, and creativity) – Zoom
AI is transforming the way we approach writing, research, and creative projects. This session dives deep into the world of AI writing assistants, research tools, and creative generators to support and supplement writing skills. You’ll learn how AI can enhance your writing, accelerate research, and spark new artistic ideas. Prepare to experiment with popular platforms and unleash your creativity with AI-powered tools.
Register to attend this session virtually
Zoom Passcode: AISession4
Friday, April 18
10:30 am – 12 pm
AI and Accessibility: Ensuring Inclusive Education in the AI Era – Zoom
AI has the potential to revolutionize education, but ensuring accessibility is paramount. This session explores how AI can empower all learners while identifying potential biases and barriers. We’ll delve into accessible design principles and frameworks, empowering you to ensure no student is left behind in the AI era. Engage in hands-on exercises, group discussions, and connect with peers to build a network for accessible and inclusive AI implementation.
Register to attend this session virtually
Zoom Passcode: AISession5