Conversations in Pedagogy: Why Think Deeply About Pedagogy?

Designed for instructors, this session offers practical strategies for faculty and graduate students.

It is sometimes tempting to think of teaching as a very nuts-and-bolts task, and often quite separate from lofty discussions of value, purpose, and philosophy, or that becoming a good teacher involves the development and mastery of skills and techniques, while thinking deeply about teaching, while interesting, has less impact on students, and so much less practical value. But is this true? This facilitated conversation will start by questioning and articulating the value of thinking deeply about teaching and learning at all.  Does articulating and understanding our own values in teaching matter? If so, to whom? And why? From there the conversation will follow the direction and themes that emerge as the discussion progresses.

The Conversations in Pedagogy series is a once-per term facilitated discussion between people interested in thinking deeply about pedagogy. Organized around an initial question or topic, the series is intended to be a small, focused space to mutually share ideas and explore deeper themes in teaching and learning, to express and articulate values, beliefs, and commitments that impact our teaching practice. Please note – this is NOT a workshop, there are no learning outcomes, agenda, or activities planned beyond the initial topic or question, but the discussion will be facilitated to keep it flowing and on-topic.