Enhancing Student Learning using Indigenous Learning Circles in STEM Education (CTE7700)

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Location: E7 7363

Facilitator: Katherine Lithgow

Description

Presenters

  • Vivian Dayeh (Biology)
  • Brenda Lee (Physics and Astronomy)
  • Savannah Sloat Science Indigenous Initiatives 

Join us for an inspiring session with Vivian Dayeh, Brenda Lee, Savannah Sloat, and their students as they share their experience implementing a teaching and learning system based on an Indigenous Learning Circle methodology.   This LITE grant project was undertaken with the goal of enhancing student learning in STEM courses during lectures and tutorials.


The Learning Circles methodology provides students a chance to participate in relational and reciprocal learning, which is sometimes overlooked in traditional didactic lectures or tutorials. In turn, students foster critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, increased engagement, and community building. The LITE grant funded project promotes a shared responsibility for learning by encouraging collaborative and cooperative learning among students and provides a relational framework that can be applied to large STEM courses across the institution. 

Join us to learn why the instructors decided to implement learning circles, the logistics of implementing it into the courses, the impact that this had on student learning and explore how this methodology might be useful in other disciplines.

"This research was supported by the University of Waterloo's Learning Innovation and Teaching Enhancement Grant."

Registration

Registration required (if this is your first time using GoSignMeUp, you will need to set up your account first). If you have changed roles at the University (e.g., graduate student to faculty) please updateyour "Participant Profile" in your GoSignMeUp account.

Cancellations

Many of our workshops have waiting lists, so if you've registered but can't attend, please cancel your registration well in advance through the registration system, so that someone else can fill your spot.

Accessibility

The University of Waterloo is committed to achieving barrier-free accessibility for persons with disabilities who are studying, working, or visiting at Waterloo. If you have questions concerning access, such as parking, building layouts, or obtaining information in alternative formats, or wish to request accommodations for a CTE workshop or event, please contact CTE via email (cte@uwaterloo.ca) or phone (ext. 33857) and include the session’s title and date. Our workshops typically involve a mix of presentation and discussion-based activities, and we encourage a scent-free environment. We also welcome accompanying assistants, interpreters, or note-takers; notify us if accommodations are needed in this regard. Please note that some accommodations may require time to arrange.