Active Learning Summit 2024 – Program Details

University of Georgia’s
2nd Annual Active Learning Summit

Shaping the Future of Learning:
Active Learning in Higher Education

Thursday, February 15th, 2024
@ The Georgia Center

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. – Registration, Breakfast, & Showcase

10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremony

More Details Here

Please join us to celebrate the progress made during the first year of the Active Learning Initiative. We will hear from our well-renowned keynote speaker, Eric Mazur, and recognize the hard work of faculty and students committed to creating a vibrant culture of active learning on our campus.

● Location (Mahler Hall)

TopicSpeakerTitle
WelcomeLeah CarmichaelDirector of Active Learning
State of the Active Learning InitiativeJere W. MoreheadPresident of the University of Georgia
Introduction of Keynote SpeakerMeg MittelstadtDirector of the Center for Teaching & Learning
Keynote:
Confessions of a Converted Lecturer:
From Teaching by Telling to Learning from Your Peers
Eric MazurBalkanski Professor of Physics & Applied Physics, Academic Dean for Applied Sciences and Engineering, and Member of the Faculty of Education at Harvard University.
Recognition of Faculty Leaders in Active LearningS. Jack HuSenior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Recognition of Student Leaders in Active LearningMarisa PagnattaroVice President for Instruction and Senior Vice Provost for Academic Planning
Recognition of the Active Learning Team &
Opening of Summit
Leah CarmichaelDirector of Active Learning

11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Break & Showcase

12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. – Lunch & Learn

More Details Here

For our luncheon, we will enjoy gathering and learning more about the evidence undergirding active learning as the future of higher education. We will also learn more about the programs offered at UGA through the Active Learning Initiative.

● Location (Mahler Hall)

1:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Break & Showcase

1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Breakout Session I

More Details Here

The breakout sessions will focus on three aspects of the Active Learning Initiative: (1) Instructor Development, (2) Student Engagement, and (3) Classroom Enhancement.

SESSION DETAILSINSTRUCTOR
DEVELOPMENT
STUDENT
ENGAGEMENT
ENHANCING CLASSROOM & CAMPUS CULTURE
SESSION
TITLE
Building an Active Learning Instructor Toolkit with Successful Tips & TechniquesEmpowering Students for Success: Mastering Active Learning Study SkillsActive Learning Classroom: Here, There & Everywhere
MODERATORChing-Yu Huang
Associate Director for Active Learning Initiatives, 
Center for Teaching and Learning, University of Georgia
Het Patel
Active Learning Ambassador
University of Georgia
het.patel1@uga.edu
Sheryl Meskin
Assistant Director for Teaching Engagement
Center for Teaching and Learning, University of Georgia
PARTICIPANTSToyin Alli
Senior Lecturer
Mathematics, Franklin School of Arts & Sciences, University of Georgia


Jillian Bohlen 
Associate Professor
Animal and Dairy Science
College of Agricultural and Environmental Science
University of Georgia

Ted Gragson
Department Head and Professor
Anthropology
Franklin School of Arts & Sciences, 
University of Georgia
Penelope Melissas
LEAD Peer Learning Assistant
Division of Academic Enhancement, University of Georgia
Penelope.Melissas@uga.edu

Shivani Patel
Active Learning Ambassador, Executive Chair
Finance & Mgmt Information Systems, Terry College of Business

Sophie Volpe
Active Learning Ambassador, Chair of Committees
Biology & Women’s Studies, Franklin College of Arts & Sciences

Benjamin Fahrman,
School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural, and Mechanical Engineering,
College of Engineering

Kate Morrissey Stahl
Clinical Associate Professor
School of Social Work, University of Georgia

Susan Hrach
Professor
Director of the Faculty Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, Columbus State University

INTENDED
LEARNING
OUTCOME(S)
Attendees will be able to identify at least three active learning techniques they can try in the future.Attendees will be able to describe at least three active learning study techniques they can try when studying.Attendees will identify active learning techniques ideal for various classroom settings with a focus on techniques that can work in even a large lecture hall.
LOCATION2nd Floor,
Room Q
2nd Floor,
Room R
2nd Floor,
Room T-U

2:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. – Break & Showcase

2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. – Breakout Session II

More Details Here

● Breakout Sessions (2nd Floor)

SESSION DETAILSINSTRUCTOR
DEVELOPMENT
STUDENT
ENGAGEMENT
ENHANCING CLASSROOM & CAMPUS CULTURE
SESSION
TITLE
Success Stories: Case Studies of Effective Active Learning in the Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences (HASS)Unleashing the Potential of Peer Learning Assistants in Active Learning EnvironmentsSustainable Enhancements for Active Learning Classroom Environments
MODERATORAndy Owsiak
Professor
International Affairs,
School of Public and International Affairs
University of Georgia
Cara Simmons
Director
Division of Academic Enhancement (DAE)

Lindsey Bailey
Coordinator of Peer Education
Division of Academic Enhancement
Krista Coleman Silvers
Assistant Vice President for F&A and Director of Space Planning and Management
University of Georgia
PANEL
PARTICIPANTS
Sabrena Deal
Senior Lecturer
Advertising & Public Relations
Grady College of Journalism
University of Georgia

Naomi Norman
Director
Governor’s Teaching Fellows Program
McBee Institute of Higher Education
University of Georgia

Montgomery Wolf
Principal Lecturer
Department of History, 
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia
Sarah Robinson
Lecturer
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 
Franklin College of Arts & Sciences
University of Georgia

Rosemary John
Peer Learning Assistant
Biology & Psychology
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Dawson Jordan
Peer Learning Assistant
Biological Science (Franklin) 
& Poultry Science (CAES)
University of Georgia


Erin Benson
Director,
Disability Resource
Center
Division of
Student Affairs

Sheri Offenhauser
Senior Associate &
Accredited Learning
Environment Planner
Page Southerland Page,
Inc.

Mark Baird
Assistant Director for Project Management and Engineering
Center for
Teaching & Learning

INTENDED
LEARNING
OUTCOME(S)
Attendees will be able to describe possible strategies and challenges of active learning within the HASS classroom.Attendees will be able to evaluate how peer learning assistants can be used most effectively in classrooms for the students, PLAs, and instructors.Attendees will be able to identify strategies for designing classroom spaces with the most effective use of resources.
LOCATION2nd Floor,
Room Q
2nd Floor,
Room R
2nd Floor,
Room T-U

Friday, February 16th, 2024
@ The Georgia center

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. – Registration, Breakfast, & Showcase

10:00 to 11:00 a.m. – Breakout Session III

More Details Here
SESSION DETAILSINSTRUCTOR
DEVELOPMENT
STUDENT
ENGAGEMENT
ENHANCING CLASSROOM & CAMPUS CULTURE
SESSION
TITLE
Success Stories: Case Studies of Effective Active Learning in STEM ClassesWorld-Readiness & Active Learning: Focusing on Skill Building in the ClassroomDesigning a Model Classroom:
Large Classroom Charrette
MODERATORSheryl Meskin
Assistant Director for Teaching Engagement
Center for Teaching and Learning
University of Georgia
Megan Brock
Assistant Director of Graduate Student Services and Faculty Engagement
Career Center
University of Georgia
Krista Coleman Silvers
Assistant Vice President for F&A and Director of Space Planning and Management at UGA

Elizabeth Bellew
Interior Designer
Office of University Architects

Barron Wallace
Interiors Intern
Office of Space Planning & Management/Office of the University Architects
PARTICIPANTSDrew Benson
Associate Professor
Poultry Science
College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
University of Georgia

Hillary Tanner
Senior Lecturer
School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural, and Mechanical Engineering
College of Engineering
University of Georgia

TBD
Katie Darby Hein
Clinical Assistant Professor
Health Promotion & Behavior
College of Public Health
University of Georgia

Maryann Gallagher
Senior Lecturer
School of Public & International Affairs
University of Georgia

TBD
Instead lieu of a panel, attendees will be engaged in the charrette.
INTENDED
LEARNING
OUTCOME(S)
Attendees will be able to describe possible strategies and challenges of active learning within the STEM classroom.Attendees will be able to describe how active learning approaches equip students with world-readiness skills.Attendees will be able to practice redesigning classrooms to include active learning features.
LOCATION2nd Floor,
Room Q
2nd Floor,
Room R
2nd Floor,
Room TU

11:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. – Break & Showcase

11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. – Breakout Sessions IV

More Details Here
SESSION DETAILSINSTRUCTOR
DEVELOPMENT
STUDENT
ENGAGEMENT
ENHANCING CLASSROOM & CAMPUS CULTURE
SESSION
TITLE
Effective Active Learning: Exploring Both Challenges and SolutionsFor Every Student: Universal Design & Active LearningDesigning a Model Classroom:
Small Classroom Charrette
MODERATORMeg Mittelstadt
Director
Center for Teaching and Learning
University of Georgia
Erin Benson
Director of the Disability Resource Center
University of Georgia
Krista Coleman Silvers
Assistant Vice President for F&A and Director of Space Planning and Management at UGA

Elizabeth Bellew
Interior Designer
Office of University Architects

Barron Wallace
Interiors Intern
Office of Space Planning & Management/Office of the University Architects
PARTICIPANTSMarni Shindelman
Associate Professor
Photography
Lamar Dodd School of Art
University of Georgia

Nandana Weliweriya
Lecturer
Physics and Astronomy
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

TBD
Nicholas Byrd
DRC Ambassador &
International Affairs
University of Georgia

Lauren Kubek
DRC Ambassador
& Agricultural Communication
University of Georgia

Ava Gilbert
DRC Ambassador
Political Science
University of Georgia
In lieu of a panel, attendees will be engaged in the charrette.
INTENDED
LEARNING
OUTCOME(S)
Attendees will be able to examine the challenges of active learning approaches across disciplines and begin to evaluate possible strategies for addressing such challenges.Attendees will be able to discuss the principles of universal design for learning (UDL) and begin to apply some principles to their teaching and learning.Attendees will be able to practice redesigning classrooms to include active learning features.
LOCATION2nd Floor,
Room Q
2nd Floor,
Room R
2nd Floor,
Room T-U

12:15 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Break & Showcase

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Lunch & Reflection

More Details Here

For this lunch, Dr. Tessa Andrews, Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of Genetics, will lead a Lunch and Reflection in which attendees will be able to reflect on what they learned throughout the Summit and consider ways they may integrate active learning approaches within their instruction practices. To guide this reflection, Dr. Andrews will offer findings from her research about teacher expertise for active learning and the reasoning behind the most effective active learning opportunities.

● Lunch & Reflection (Mahler Hall)

1:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. – Break & Showcase

1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. – Breakout Session V

More Details Here
DetailsINSTRUCTOR
DEVELOPMENT
STUDENT
ENGAGEMENT
ENHANCING CLASSROOM & CAMPUS CULTURE
SESSION
TITLE
Course Design and Active Learning
Creating a Sense of Belonging for Every Student
Rapid-Fire Facilitation: 
Active Learning Approaches for Meetings
MODERATORLeah Carmichael
Director of Active Learning
University of Georgia
Annie Carlson Welch
Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs
Division of Student Affairs
University of Georgia
Brittany Adams-Pope
Public Service Associate
Fanning Institute for Leadership Development
University of Georgia
PARTICIPANTSKrista Capps
Associate Professor
Odum School of Ecology
University of Georgia

TBD

TBD
Ingie Hovland
Assistant Professor
Religion, Franklin Arts & Sciences
University of Georgia

Melissa Kozak
Principal Lecturer
Human Development and Family Sciences, 
College of Family and Consumer Sciences
University of Georgia

Melissa Landers-Potts
Principal Lecturer
Human Development and Family Sciences
College of Family and Consumer Sciences
University of Georgia
In lieu of a panel, attendees will be engaged in the strategies for engaging meeting participants using strategies familiar to active learning.
INTENDED
LEARNING
OUTCOME(S)
Attendees will be able to identify how active learning techniques can fit with a more extensive course redesign process.Attendees will be able to discuss how instructors can make the classroom inclusive for every student.Attendees will learn strategies for applying active learning techniques in non-classroom settings (e.g., meetings).
Location2nd Floor,
Room Q
2nd Floor,
Room R
2nd Floor,
Room T-U

2:45 to 3:00 p.m. – Break & Showcase

Thank you for coming!