Learning Innovation Fellowship (LIF)
The LIF program aims to prepare new faculty for successful teaching at DKU by deepening their understanding of the university’s liberal arts curriculum, teaching culture, and student body. It also fosters meaningful connections among peers and with faculty mentors. Participants will gain hands-on experiences in the two-month online modules, virtual sessions, self-paced work, and intensive in-person workshops in August.
Small Group Instructional Feedback (SGIF)
SGIF is a formative, mid-course feedback process designed to help faculty gain insights into students’ learning experiences. Unlike formal evaluations, SGIF is a confidential, faculty-initiated check-in facilitated by the CTL. In just 15 minutes of class time, students reflect on what supports their learning and suggest areas for improvement, fostering open dialogue and timely instructional adjustments.
Teaching and Learning at Lunch (T&L at Lunch)
This bi-weekly lunch series offers DKU faculty a collegial space to share experiences, reflect on teaching practices, collaborate on new ideas, and support one another’s professional growth. Facilitated by the CTL, the lunch discussions are typically proposed and co-led by faculty, helping to strengthen the teaching and learning community at DKU.
Faculty Learning Community (FLC)
DKU faculty are committed to fostering significant student learning and refining their teaching practices through evidence-based approaches. To strengthen our culture of faculty learning communities, this program invites faculty to collaboratively explore a teaching and learning topic and develop a practical deliverable that can be adapted to their DKU courses. Proposals are typically invited at the start of the academic year, and a small amount of funding is provided to support participating FLC members.
Student as Partner (SaP) Program
Students are key stakeholders in the teaching and learning community and should be empowered to take an active role in shaping their educational experience. This initiative aims to amplify student voices in efforts to enhance and celebrate teaching excellence, while also providing meaningful opportunities for students to grow as self-directed and reflective learners.
First-Year Faculty Colloquium
Facilitated by Yitzhak Lewis, Faculty Coordinator for Teaching and Learning, and the CTL, the Colloquium supports new faculty in adapting to the DKU teaching context, fosters a cohort focused on teaching and learning, and scaffolds professional development. Participants will also complete the requirements for the DKU Certificate in Innovative Curriculum Design and Pedagogy.
Visit a Classroom (VaC)
Visit a Classroom (VaC) is a non-evaluative program designed to encourage reflection on teaching and learning. In small interdisciplinary groups of 3 to 4, faculty members visit each other’s classes to observe teaching strategies and student engagement. The aim is to foster mutual learning and self-reflection, while building a respectful, reciprocal, and thoughtful dialogue around teaching practices.
Formative Class Observation
Facilitated by peer faculty or the CTL, this process allows faculty to choose their observers, uses the same rubric as the mandatory observation, and includes a post-observation meeting for constructive feedback and strategy development. Faculty are strongly encouraged to participate early to prepare for the mandatory observation and may use the final report as supplementary teaching evidence for their reviews.
