2009 conference themes

Opportunities and New Directions:
A Research Conference on Teaching and Learning.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
University of Waterloo: Conrad Grebel College campus


We offer the following conference themes as possible starting points. We also welcome proposals that do not fall under one of these themes, but do relate to research on teaching and learning.

  • Student engagement in learning

    In what ways are students engaged in their education? In what ways are they not? How do we support student engagement? How do we know that students have engaged in learning?
  • Technology for teaching and learning

    How does technology impact the roles of teachers and learners? How are various technologies compatible with various learning styles? How is learning affected by differences in how students and educators view and use technology?
  • Experiential learning

    How do we support students in connecting course learning to life outside the classroom? What partnerships are possible between the institution (gown) and the community (town)? In what ways are students' perspectives changed by experiential learning opportunities?
  • Assessment

    How do alternative assessment strategies evaluate different kinds of learning?
    Can assignments be designed to promote academic integrity? How has NSSE data been useful in designing the student experience?
  • Undergraduate research skills

    What program models assist undergraduate students in developing research skills? How do we define research skills for today's academic and corporate settings? What do students gain through the development of undergraduate research skills?
  • Internationalization

    What changes are needed to meet the needs of international students? How can educators prepare for the internationally diverse classroom? In what ways does the global knowledge economy impact the institution and its programs?
  • Change

    How is student learning changing? How is teaching changing? What has not changed? What will the post-secondary educator role be in 5 years? In 15 years? How do we know that our work (both teaching and research on that teaching) is making a difference?

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