Definition of Professional Development – “the process of obtaining the skills, qualifications, and experience that allow you to make progress in your career.” (Macmillan Dictionary, 2014)
Looking ahead over the next several months at JCCC, I find the opportunities for faculty development in the assessment of student learning remarkable in both breadth and depth. Leading off the new academic semester in January, the Office of Outcomes Assessment (OOA) will host a workshop that was piloted last summer. Assessment by Design – Comprehensive Overview, is a day-long, hands-on workshop which provides participants with an interactive and theoretical framework for addressing the assessment needs of their courses or programs. Come to this workshop as an individual faculty member working on assessing student learning in your courses, or bring your colleagues to address assessment initiatives for your program.
During Professional Development Days, find your development opportunity in sessions such as:
- “Hits and Misses” in Launching Assessment Strategies, a faculty panel discussion
- Taming Excel to Capture Your Assessment Data
- Become a CSI (Capturing Student Info) and Interrogate Your Assessment Data Through Analysis
- Program Review and Assessment, Linkages and Expectations
- General Education – Assessments, Data Submission, and Spring Deadlines
- Make the Most of Your Upcoming Regional Community Assessment Conference Experience
- Preparing for Your World Café
- World Café
The big hitter for this Spring’s line-up (yes, I’ve been watching lots of Royals baseball) is the 5th Annual Regional Community College Assessment Conference – Moving Forward with Assessment, scheduled for April 10, 2015. The power-hitter for this event is Dr. Tom Angelo. Dr. Angelo is the Assistant Provost, Director of the Center for Advancement of Faculty Excellence, and Professor of Higher Education at Queens University, Charlotte, NC. Dr. Angelo has consulted on assessment and teaching and learning improvement in 17 countries, in all 50 of the United States, for more than 60 higher education associations/systems, and at more than 250 postsecondary institutions. He has also served as an invited keynote/featured speaker at more than 75 higher education conferences internationally.
Dr. Angelo graciously gave a workshop this past summer at JCCC while here as a keynoter for another conference. The theme of his presentation was “CATs and COLTs: Classroom Assessment Techniques and Collaborative Learning Techniques.” With little notice and the only promotion a simple email blast to regional colleges, we were able to fill and overflow the space with colleagues eager to engage in the workshop. Dr. Angelo drew directly from his teaching experiences to share practical strategies that could be immediately implemented in courses in all disciplines. To quote one of my colleagues at this event, “it was like a master class on teaching.” You won’t want to miss Dr. Angelo’s workshops or keynote address in April. This conference is free to JCCC faculty and staff.
If these offerings don’t meet your needs, know that the OOA is always available to conduct retreats, departmental meetings, or one-on-one sessions on assessment or program review. Call the office and set up a time now.
