New Strategies Shared at Faculty Training Day

“Structure, Inclusivity and Engagement-Constructing your Classroom for Student Success,” was the topic of discussion during Edgecombe Community College’s Faculty Training Day. The annual event was held Thursday, Jan. 2.

According to Christine Nicodemus, dean of arts and sciences, “having a dedicated training day at the start of the spring semester gives the administration the chance to gather faculty in one place and share important updates and messages of collaboration.”

This year’s key message was presented by Amanda Jewett Zekanis. An institutional researcher for Johnston Community College, Zekanis coordinated implementation of JCC’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), focused on student success.

The importance of class structure as it relates to inclusion and student success, learning high-structure strategies for student engagement, and first-day ideas for creating an inclusive learning environment, were some of the training objectives for participants. Zekanis noted that diversity is not the only factor when instructors are striving for inclusive teaching. How instructors interact with students and demonstrating care are also components of inclusive teaching.

Examples of high-structure learning strategies include small group discussions, developing a discussion board to ask questions and share study tips, and a think-pair-share concept. This collaborative approach allows students to individually think about a specific topic, “pair” up with another student to explore the topic, and later share aspects of their discussion with the class.

Zekanis says creating a short questionnaire for students to complete alone is an inclusive first-day activity. After students answer questions about their hobbies, favorite restaurant and other personal preferences, they pair with someone else in the room to discuss their answers. Finally, students introduce their “pair” partner to the class. To demonstrate inclusivity, students can share their nicknames, name pronunciation and more about themselves during introductions.

Nicodemus says she hopes all participants left inspired with ideas they can utilize.

“Inclusivity, engagement and structure are all issues we, as instructors, need to take into consideration in all of our classes, whether EMS, math or automotive technology,” says Nicodemus.

Adam Culbertson, fire and EMS coordinator, believes Faculty Training Day was beneficial.

“The guest speaker and activities were absolutely amazing,” says Culbertson. “She provided great insight as to how learning can be adapted to the many students for whom we provide educational services.”

Faculty Training Day is an initiative provided by the Jack and Gloria Gurganus Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence.