Enjoying a New Space in Langsam Library

“It is, ideally, a kind of one-stop center for classroom teaching, designed to provide resources for all UC teaching faculty, be they full-time or part-time, as well as graduate teaching assistants,” explained Wayne Hall, Vice Provost for Faculty Development.

Through its Web site, onsite resources, sponsored speakers, and consultations, CET&L provides access to a variety of pedagogic resources and services for faculty development. Tools and materials such as classroom feedback through videotaping, guidelines and resources for syllabus preparation, and a list of books, articles, and videos on teaching and learning are all tools available through CET&L for faculty use.

CET&L made the move to Langsam Library to accommodate growth. The former location “did not allow for the kind of expansion that we gained through the generosity of Dean Victoria Montavon and University Libraries,” Hall explained. That expansion includes a 40-seat classroom equipped with a projector and computer for showing presentations and adjustable furniture that allows for lecture-style or group seating.

“CET&L’s new location in Langsam Library will certainly bring more faculty into the library,” said Montavon, “while also providing an opportunity for increased partnerships across the university.”

CET&L fosters connections among faculty through their popular September Institute. Held for three days, the Institute is organized around Learning Communities, teams of six to eight faculty members who work together within a related area. The work begins during the Institute and continues throughout the following academic year as the teams develop workshops, presentations, resource materials, or retreats to explore and research their particular area of interest.

“The Learning Communities thus function not simply as pockets of teaching excellence,” said Hall, “but also as ongoing resources for the CET&L even as we help to facilitate the activities and accomplishments of the teams.”

In the three years CET&L has held the September Institute, more than 100 faculty members have participated and created Learning Communities to pursue such issues as service learning, problem-based learning, distance learning, and global studies.

“Participation in the September Institute was extremely valuable,” said Jane Carlin, coordinator of library instruction and 2002 September Institute participant. “Being able to meet with faculty and learn about curriculum development and current pedagogy resulted in many collaborative projects.”

In addition to promoting collabortion through the September Institute, CET&L also serves as a common link to various UC initiatives and programs aimed at teaching and learning, such as: The First Year Experience Program, the Center for Community Engagement, General Education, the Faculty Technology Resources Center, and workshops and training offered by University Libraries and AIT&L.

“Working with Wayne and others associated with CET&L not only has benefited my own teaching, but it has also provided me with the networking opportunity to meet and collaborate with faculty and units throughout UC,” said Carlin.

CET&L got its start in 2002 with the Faculty Senate, General Education Program, and the Provost’s Office all contributing ideas and impetus towards its original creation. For more information about the Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, call (513) 556-3053 or view the Web site at www.uc.edu/cetl/.

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