By Steven Krolak
(NEW ALBANY, Ind.)–Dr. Robin K. Morgan, professor of psychology and director of the IU Southeast Institute for Learning and Teaching Excellence (ILTE), has received the Bender Fellowship from the IU Faculty Academy on Excellence in Teaching (FACET), and will lead the development of an Indiana University-wide online module series that provides high-quality, evidence-based materials on effective teaching practices.
The module series will focus on all types of instruction, including face-to-face, online, and hybrid courses.
“The centers for teaching and learning on individual campuses, including ILTE, have created a variety of online modules specifically geared to assisting faculty on their campuses,” Morgan said. “This project seeks to create more comprehensive modules that are useful for faculty on all IU campuses.”
The initiative was developed in response to a recommendation in the State of the University Teaching and Learning Report that called for greater access to face-to-face and online options for faculty professional development.
This report followed a year studying IU’s current resources available to support effective teaching.
“It is difficult to attend faculty development workshops, teach several classes, serve on committees, conduct research and find time to sleep,” Morgan said. “This online module series seeks to provide high-quality, evidence-based materials in a format that is available to all IU faculty.”
Module themes will include:
- Designing a Course: Where do I start?
- Assessment: How do I know my students are learning?
- Active and Interactive Learning: What can my students “do” that is real-world based?
- Organizing Content: How can I make, find, and use resources?
- Presence: How do I interact with my students in and outside the classroom?
- Structuring the Course: How do I put it all together and explain it to my students?
The fellowship honors Dr. Eileen Bender, who founded FACET in 1989. It supports work on statewide projects in cooperation with the FACET office.
In selecting Morgan to lead this effort, the committee recognized her long-term commitment to creating and implementing scalable programs that promote excellence in teaching, such as the FACET peer review training modules and the expansion of FACET’s Associate Faculty and Lecturer Conference (FALCON). Morgan’s role at the forefront of developing quality online courses and content was also noted.
“I am very fortunate that my efforts relating to teaching and learning are recognized by my peers across IU,” Morgan said.