Reading Circle - Engaged Learning

Reading Circles bring educators together for cross-disciplinary conversation to build knowledge, community and collaboration.

Key Practices for Fostering Engaged Learning: A Guide for Faculty & Staff by Jessie L. Moore

Join the Delphi Center, the Center for Engaged Learning, and the Office of Community Engagement as we read Key Practices for Fostering Engaged Learning: A Guide for Faculty & Staff in support of UofL’s strategic goal to support the whole student through transformative, purpose-driven and engaged learning.

 

In her new book, Jessie Moore shares key practices for fostering engaged learning that emerged from decades-long, multi-institutional studies conducted through Elon’s Center for Engaged Learning. Findings show that engaged learning experiences designed intentionally not only promote deeper student learning, but also greater equity in student outcomes and the overall student experience.

This insightful book delves into each evidence-based practice, offering practical guidance on how to implement them within courses and co-curricular contexts. Chapters explore the importance of acknowledging and building on students' prior knowledge and experiences, the art of fostering relationships, providing constructive feedback, framing connections to broader contexts, supporting reflection and metacognition, and the integration and transfer of knowledge and skills. Throughout the book, each practice is examined in detail, providing practical insights, real-life examples, and thought-provoking exercises. Through this Reading Circle you will develop a deep understanding of each practice and how to foster engaged learning to support student learning and equity in success.

Purpose

To provide faculty and staff a space and place to explore research-based practices that support engaged learning, identify places for application within their own practice, and work collectively to meet UofL’s goal to provide each student at least one engaged learning experience.

Who May Join?

We welcome instructors and student support staff at all levels. This Reading Circle is limited to 10 participants.

Meeting Dates

We will meet for 75 minutes three times over the course of the Reading Circle. You will have the option of meeting a fourth time in a working session with your peers to apply your learning in work you do with students. All events are virtual and will be hosted via MS Teams.

• Friday, September 22, 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
• Friday, October 13, 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
• Friday, November 3, 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Optional working session:

• Friday, November 10, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Expectations for Participation

Participants will receive a copy of the book at the beginning of September. We will convene as a group three times. We will discuss 2-3 chapters of the book at each meeting (approximately 50 pages).

Further, we ask participants to:

• Commit to changing an element of their practice to enhance engaged learning.
• Fill out a brief evaluation at the conclusion of the Reading Circle.

You may choose to attend the optional working session designed to help you apply what you learned and provide peer feedback on your progress.

Co-Facilitators

This Reading Circle will have a series of co-facilitators who will rotate:

Caroline Boswell, Acting Co-Associate Director of Teaching & Learning, Delphi Center

Henry Cunningham, Director of the Office of Community Engagement and Faculty Member, Pan-African Studies

Paul DeMarco, Director of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity, Center for Engaged Learning, and Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences

Erica Gabbard, Director of Experiential Learning, Center for Engaged Learning