Upcoming Faculty Development Opportunities

Looking for the entire Professional Learning Calendar?
Visit https://apply.nscc.edu/portal/ProLearning.

Friday, October 25
8 – 8:50 am
Reflecting on and Preparing for 7-week Classes
Open Forum
Join colleagues for an open forum discussion as we reflect on experiences teaching 7-week classes, share strategies and tips for success, and prepare for teaching during this second 7-week term. 
Moderators: Neely Ann Sheucraft, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, and Fellow, The Teaching Center; Amy Bryant, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, and Director of The Teaching Center, and Audrey Cross, Assistant Professor of Learning Support, and Fellow, The Teaching Center
Register for this open forum
Zoom

Friday, October 25
9 – 9:50 am
Understanding and Implementing the Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace (L, A, D, S, CRTP)
Professional Learning Community (PLC)
Join The Teaching Center for the final PLC meeting focused on The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace. In today’s fast-paced work environments, expressing appreciation and recognition for colleagues’ efforts is essential for fostering a positive and productive workplace culture. During this session of the professional learning community, participants will delve into Chapters 15-18 of Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Paul White’s renowned book, “The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace,” and explore how these principles can be effectively applied. Please read chapters 15-18 (pages 200 – 245) prior to the session.
Moderators: Neely Ann Sheucraft, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, and Fellow, The Teaching Center, and Amy Bryant, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, and Director of The Teaching Center
Register for this session
Zoom

Friday, October 25
10 am – 11:30 am
Academic Integrity in the Classroom: Similarity & AI Indication in the Formative Space
Presentation 
The Turnitin Similarity Report and AI writing indicator are best used to inform educator judgment, but are not meant to be the sole measure of academic integrity. In this session, we will be focusing on how the Similarity Index and AI Indication reports are the same, how they differ, and how to clearly communicate with students about the writing process, guiding the discussion in a positive direction.
Presenter: Megan Leith Sexton, Senior Customer Success Manager, Turnitin
Register for this presentation
Zoom Passcode: Fall2024

Friday, October 25
12 pm
Utilizing Case Studies and Real-World Examples in Teaching
(L, S, CRTP)
Panel Discussion
Join colleagues for a panel discussion sharing tips  for using case studies and real-world examples in teaching. A Q&A session will occur after the panel discussion, if time is available.
Panelists: Gracie King, Breanna Waller, Roslyn Mize, and Rachel Lewis
Register for this panel discussion
Zoom

Thursday, October 31
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
TBR Postsecondary Aligned Advising Fall 2024 Webinar Series:
HIPs and the Launch of Learner Records: Lessons Learned from a Five-Year Effort in Tennessee 
The Tennessee Board of Regents made a commitment to the implementation and expansion of High Impact Practices (HIPs) across the System in 2014. Since the launch of the HIPs Initiative, the TBR System has received national recognition on not only scaling efforts, but also data collection on student outcomes from participating in HIPs. As the final bookend piece to the HIP scaling work, TBR is leading the nation in the development and scaling of a comprehensive learner record to be launched in Fall 2024. This session will recap the history and momentum leading up to the launch of the learner record and the future possibilities for its use with students, employers, and for assessment.
Presenter: Dr. Heidi Leming, Vice Chancellor for Student Success and Strategic Partnerships, TBR
Register to Attend

Friday, November 1
8:30 am – 9:30 am
What is Reading Support and how does it benefit students? (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 Learning Support, and Kathy Sorenson, Course Lead for Reading Support
Register for this presentation
Zoom Passcode: Fall2024

Friday, November 1
9 am – 10:30 am
Fast Track to Success? A Mixed Methods Study of Accelerated Course Formats (TBR Webinar)

TBR staff will share research findings and discuss the impact of these courses with college leaders from Chattanooga, Dyersburg, and Nashville State Community College. During the webinar, speakers will highlight key findings from a mixed methods research study of accelerated courses, including:

  • Student outcomes in accelerated courses are generally positive but vary by student group and course.
  • Students, faculty, and staff identify tradeoffs between accelerated and traditional courses, noting that while accelerated courses can boost student motivation, the fast pace can be difficult to manage for some learners.
  • Students highlight their need for clear, accessible information about accelerated courses and robust advising and tutoring to support their success in these fast-paced courses. 

More information about TBR’s research on accelerated courses is also available at this link: https://www.tbr.edu/policy-strategy/accelerated-7-week-courses

Register for the webinar using this link.

Wednesday, November 6
10 am
Adobe Digital Literacy Café Webinar Series – Exploring In-class Exercises and Lesson Plans that Integrate Generative AI
In this session, four faculty members will share a dozen successful classroom exercises and lesson plans that engage students and help build transferable skills like creativity and collaboration. Speakers will share:

  • Practical day-to-day approaches to integrating generative AI in ways that promote student learning outcomes
  • Pedagogical principles behind the lesson plans and exercise

Register for this Webinar from Adobe

Friday, November 8 
9 a.m.
Checking In for a Strong Semester Finish
Open Forum 
Moderator: Piper Sesnan, OTD, OTR, Assistant Professor and Program Director, OTA Program, The Teaching Center Fellow
Register for this open forum
Zoom

Friday, November 8
10:30 am – 12 pm
Demystifying AI: What It Is and Why It Matters in Higher Education – K-163, White Bridge Road Campus, and via Zoom 
This session peels back the layers of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. We’ll break down key concepts, explore its potential to personalize learning, automate tasks, and revolutionize research.  Join us for an interactive discussion on the ethical considerations and practical applications that are shaping the future of higher education.
Register to attend this session in person
Register to attend this session virtually
Zoom Passcode:  AISession1

Friday, November 8
12 pm
Strategies for Reducing Student Stress: Balancing Rigor and Well-Being
(L, S, CRTP)
Panel Discussion
Join colleagues for a panel discussion sharing strategies for reducing student stress while balancing rigor and well-being. A Q&A session will occur after the panel discussion, if time is available.
Panelists: Michael R. Glenn, Katherine Sorenson, Rachel Lewis, Jill Cooksey
Register for this panel discussion
Zoom

Friday, November 15
8:30 – 9 am
TILT 2.0 – TILT Survey Updates
Presentation  
Based on feedback from faculty, the NSCC TILT Survey is getting a makeover. Join us to learn about the student-ready language of the new survey, improvements for gathering course data, and the new link for the TILT survey starting in spring 2024. 
Presenters: Neely Ann Sheucraft, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, and Fellow, The Teaching Center, and Amy Bryant, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, and Director of The Teaching Center
Register for this presentation
Zoom Passcode: Fall2024

Friday, November 15th
9 – 9:50 am

Quotable Quotes (L,S)
Open Forum
Come together with your colleagues for a moderated discussion focusing on this idea:
In this session, we will discuss the following quote from John Dewey: “We do not learn from experience… we learn from reflecting on experience.” 
Moderator: Harlan Pease, Associate Professor of Communication Studies and English
Register for this open forum
Zoom Passcode: Fall2024

Friday, November 15
1-2 pm
How to Create Study Abroad Curriculum: Lessons from Tokyo in Film
Workshop
This workshop will provide educators with a clear and practical approach to designing effective study abroad curricula, drawing from my experience developing the course and OER text Tokyo in Film. The session will explore how to blend academic rigor with immersive, real-world experiences, using examples from the Tokyo in Film course to highlight best practices. Educators will learn how to overcome common challenges, such as limited access to traditional learning materials, by utilizing a purpose-driven framework. The presentation will focus on integrating local culture and excursions into the curriculum, making assignments relevant and engaging for students. By applying the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) model, participants will gain strategies to create clear, purposeful assignments that enhance student learning and foster transferable skills.
Presenter: Robert Ladd, Assistant Professor, and Fellow, The Teaching Center
Register for this workshop
Zoom Passcode: Fall2024

Friday, November 22
12 pm
Strategies for Effective Time Management in Grading and Feedback
(L, S, CRTP)
Panel Discussion
Join colleagues for a panel discussion sharing strategies for effective time management in grading and feedback. A Q&A session will occur after the panel discussion, if time is available.
Register for this panel discussion
Zoom

Thursday, December 5, 2024
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
TBR Postsecondary Aligned Advising Fall 2024 Webinar Series:
Leveraging Slate CRM & Slate.Org for Effective Collaboration

Join us for an in-depth webinar on using Slate CRM and Slate.org to streamline communications and data sharing with high school counselors, partnering organizations, and community-based groups. Learn how to harness the power of portals to provide real-time updates, enhance transparency, and foster collaboration in the postsecondary advising process. This session will cover best practices for optimizing communications, building strong partnerships, and utilizing tools to ensure seamless support for students transitioning from high school to college.
Presenter: Robin Marek, CRM Specialist, TBR
Register to Attend

Friday, December 6
10:30 am – 12 pm

Empowering Academic Success: AI-Driven Tools for teaching, learning, and academic support – K-163, White Bridge Road Campus, and via Zoom
Get hands-on with the latest AI-powered tools designed to personalize learning journeys. You’ll explore adaptive platforms, intelligent tutors, and data-driven feedback systems that empower students and optimize learning outcomes.  This session is packed with practical exercises where you’ll design personalized learning scenarios and create engaging AI-powered assessments.
Register to attend this session in person
Register to attend this session virtually
Zoom Passcode:  AISession2

Friday, February 21
10:30 am – 12 pm
Pioneering and Forecasted AI Use Cases in Advising, Career Services, and Student Success – K-163, White Bridge Road Campus, and via 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 in person
Register to attend this session virtually
Zoom Passcode: AISession3

Friday, March 28
10:30 am – 12 pm
From Blank Page to Masterpiece: AI-Powered Creative Exploration (writing, research, and creativity) – K-163, White Bridge Road Campus, and via 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 in person
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 – K-163, White Bridge Road Campus, and via 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 in person
Register to attend this session virtually
Zoom Passcode:  AISession5