Tuesday Teaching Talk is a regular feature which, as the name implies, is an opportunity to talk explicitly about teaching (and learning) in the practical and philosophical sense that happens on, you guessed it, Tuesday. It could be a question, an article or a tip to name a few options.
Not so quick advertisements…
1) Elections for CAST coordinator begin today. Full-timers, check your mailboxes. Look here for more info on the positions. There are 3 candidates for coordinator (and vice coordinator): Brigitte Maronde (ELL/WL), Amelia Lopez (English, Speech and Theatre) and Chris Sabino (Mathematics).
2) Today is the CAST research subgroup’s monthly meeting at 2 in 1046
3) This Friday, 12/2, join CAST for “Cookies and CAST” an informal gathering in 1046 starting around 10:30 a.m in which we grade, write exams, eat cookies and commiserate before the final week of the semester.
Now for today’s TTT.
This seemed apropos. Do you have anything to add to the list?
The Harold Lounge 
I am very excited to see such excellent candidates. I would like to know more about candidates. Are all three active members and how have they contributed (I guess we know about Chris but what about the others?). Let us know before we have to vote.
That’s a great idea CWHMI. The candidates are working on their responses. With any luck, you’ll see them here soon. In addition, I’ll create a post introducing us and reminding folks to vote. Expect that by Friday, hopefully. Maybe I’ll create it during Cookies and CAST. Speaking of which, I think all 3 of us will be at Cookies and CAST at various times is people have questions.
Hello!
I am Gitte from the ELL/WL department. I started to attend CAST meetings a few years ago because I thought that the committee had a very cool name. “The Committee of the Science and Art of Teaching” I thought would offer great opportunity to engage in professional dialogue about teaching since that is what I am most interested in. I have been a passive, a semi-active and an active member of CAST, but I had to travel to conferences to learn about methods, theories and research regarding teaching because CAST, until recently seemed like a sleeping beauty waiting to wake up to more faculty involvement. I hope CAST at HWC will become a vibrant “place” where faculty collaborate, share their expertise, find support, resources, inspiring discussions, and innovative professional development.
Thanks for your words Curiousg2!
Hi!
I haven’t made it to all of the CAST meetings because they overlap with my office hours, but I have been as active as possible. I have consistently presented during Faculty Development Week. I have given several presentations on enhancing your courses with technology as well as how to make your Blackboard course more aesthetically pleasing. Most recently, I gave presentations on how to incorporate games in the classroom. My philosophy is that true learning can only take place when students are engaged and actively working with a subject. The energy a teacher brings into the classroom is transferred to his or her students.
I’ll be at the Cookies and CAST from about 10:30-11:30 a.m. and I’ll have oatmeal-raisin and white chocolate-macadamia nut cookies to share (not a bribe, just a plug). 😉 Stop by, eat a cookie, and pick away at my brain, if you like.
-Amelia
Thanks for introducing yourself candidate. It helps to have your background. I can now make an informed decision based on your words.
I have to say, between mathissexy and englishissexier, I’m thinkin’ of changing my name to realististhesexiest! (That’s right, with an exclamation point!)
@Realist: That’s a great idea! 🙂 Let’s bring sexy back. My first two attempts at usernames were already taken, so I thought I’d have some fun and follow Chris.
@CAST Member: Since you brought it up, I guess I should address it. As I stated in my post, the CAST meetings are during my office hours. When students come to see me, they are my first priority. As you keenly observed, I didn’t make it to the meetings this semester. I am sure there are many faculty members like myself who want to be more involved but struggle to balance what we want to do with what we have to do. Furthermore, I am sure none of us are doing it for the release time. I’m running for the position because I see it as an opportunity to be more involved. I have enjoyed collaborating with colleagues and mentoring adjuncts and new hires within my department as well as friends from other departments. I have never taught a class the same way twice; each semester involves some tweaking and adapting; some of these changes are inspired by my discussions with other teachers. I see C.A.S.T as a way to expand this dialogue and allow me to get to know more of the fabulous faculty at HWC. I appreciate your anonymity, but I also hope that you seek me out and get to know me as to avoid further assumptions. I look forward to working with you.
Amelia
Well stated Englishissexier. I’m sure there are many faculty members with similar facts and feelings.
From what I’ve heard, the release time is not enough.
(A few words regarding anonymity to follow after this semester is over.)
How can I write this blurb without sounding obnoxious. I feel blessed to have been able to be coordinator of CAST for the past 2 years. Here’s some of what has occurred with respect to CAST during my time as coordinator. I take responsibility for the good and the bad. 🙂 My use of the word “I” is somewhat arbitrary. Really, there has always been a “we.”
1) We moved from room 733 to our current home, room 1046. I worked hard to get bookshelves (it only took 1.5 years), technology (SMART board, ELMO, etc.), somewhat comfy furniture and decoration, and succeeded in most of it, though the room could still be even better.
2) I coordinated the planning of two Faculty Development Weeks. 2010’s FDW became the first DWFDW so that work was, sadly, for naught. 2011’s FDW was better than I could have expected thanks in large part to those willing to give their time and energy to present.
3) I modified the structure of CAST into three subgroups (Pedagogy, Research and Technology), each with their own events and missions.
4) I organized rewriting and editing the CAST charter (pending approval) to reflect some of the structural changes.
5) Several events, both formal and informal, have occurred during my time including Tenure Project presentations, a semi-regular informal CAST discussion group and Technology Tools of the Trade to name a few.
I, too, will be at Cookies and CAST, likely for the entire time. Hopefully I see you (and the other “yous” reading this) there.
This was Chris by the way. I forgot to identify myself.
Hey all,
To the comment about not being at CAST meetings – who does attend? I’ve been to a few, and there are never more than three people there. We are all busy.
Maybe the new regime will figure out a way to attract more people.
-thesexiestforsure