WTI Schedule and Abstracts

Morning Sessions

Session I: 9:15am to 10:15am

"I wish all teachers did this!": Student perspectives on Equitable Grading Practices in STEM
(Amanda Colosimo (Chemistry/Geology), Tracey Graney (Biology), Ben Schermerhorn (Engineering/Physics))

We have been adapting Equitable Grading practices for two years, from books like Grading for Equity by Joe Feldman and Grading for Growth by David Clark and Robert Talbert. At previous teaching institutes, you've heard what faculty have been doing and their thoughts on the changes they have made to their courses. But how are students responding to these changes in their classes? Join us as we talk about Minimum grading (Amanda Colosimo), Spec Grading (Tracey Graney), ungraded homework, and retakes (Ben Schermerhorn). We will provide an overview of these practices and share what our students have been saying about the impact on their experience.
(This presentation is offered in-person only.)

Designing Online Courses for Justice Involved Students
(Renee Dimino (Health and Phys Ed.) and Dana Voldan-Curry (MCC Schools))

Join us for this workshop highlighting the experiences and lessons learned from designing an online COS 181 course for justice involved students. This workshop will include findings from the pre and post Learning and Study Strategies Inventory, applicable lessons for College Success courses and online courses in general, next steps for offering courses at Industry, information for faculty interested in participating in this program.
(This presentation is offered in-person only.)

Brightspace Student Reflections
(Virtual Campus Crew)

Let’s connect to examine student reflections of their coursework experiences in Brightspace across the past two years. Together we can explore how to leverage these insights to inform and enhance future course development, ensuring that teaching strategies and materials meet the evolving needs of students. By integrating student feedback into the curriculum design process, we can create more engaging and effective learning experiences for all students. Join us to discover how Brightspace can be a powerful tool for meeting the needs of all learners.
(This session will be offered in-person with a live Zoom link available for remote access.)

ePortfolios 2025: The Journey Continues: From Entry Level to Capstone
(Kathleen Borbee (Business Administration) and Marj Crum (Visual and Performing Arts))

ePortfolios are both a product—an archive of learning artifacts—and a process that supports student learning. They serve as versatile tools empowering students to exhibit achievements and drive self-improvement, improving employability, and fostering professional growth. Building an ePortfolio leads students to naturally make valuable connections between various courses, assignments, and cocurricular activities through reflection of their past work. ePortfolios continue to grow at MCC and are becoming part of Capstone courses in several programs. This presentation will provide an update on ePortfolios including enhanced Brightspace integration, flexible assignment design, convenient submission and review of student work, and now, synchronization with Brightspace grade book. Come hear from faculty how ePortfolios are allowing them to measure a student’s level of mastery across a wide range of learning outcomes.
(This session will be offered in-person with a live Zoom link available for remote access.)

Session II: 10:30am to 11:30am

Encouraging Neuroplasticity by Using Compassion in the Classroom
(Erin Strobl (Biology))

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt and change in response to internal or external stimuli.  Studies have shown that compassion plays a role in strengthening neural connections associated with positive thoughts and behavior.  Using compassion in the classroom not only helps to create inclusive and welcoming learning environments, but also fosters a growth-mindset which may lead to positive change in student performance and behavior.  This session will include an overview of neuroplasticity and compassion research, give examples of positive change seen in MCC students, and provide tools to incorporate in your classroom or self-compassion practices.
(This presentation is offered in-person only.)

Advantages of Oral Exams
(Andrew Knapp (Psychology) and Bob Muhlnickel (English and Philosophy))

Oral exams provide many potential benefits that traditional multiple-choice tests lack. Research suggests that oral exams lead to deeper learning, better recall of information, can play to the strengths of educationally deprived students, provide instant feedback, and can help develop students’ oral communication skills. We will describe how we prepare students for individual oral exams by providing a list of potential questions and involving students in creating grading rubrics. For group oral exams we explain how groups are formed to include multiple essential skills in each group, the keys to a successful group, and show a sample study guide. While oral examinations present challenges, we have had success with the method. We will discuss the limitations, tell you how we overcame barriers to successful student experiences, and share testimony from students, many of whom favor oral exams over more traditional methods of testing. There will be time for questions.
(This presentation is offered in-person only.)

Power and Privilege in the Classroom
(Melis Kural (Teaching and Creativity Center))

This workshop helps participants identify and recognize the contexts of power and privilege in the classroom. Throughout the workshop, participants will have opportunities to analyze how power and privilege influence interactions with students, colleagues, and institutional structures. Participants will review case studies on power and privilege and brainstorm action plans to advocate for an equitable classroom community.
(This session will be offered in-person with a live Zoom link available for remote access.)

Session III: 11:45am to 12:45pm

Small Teaching Tips From Across the Disciplines: Using 5-10 Minute Affective Check-ins, Studying Bites, and TILT Strategies to Engage and Motivate Student Learning  
(Eric Berg (Mathematics), Jim McCusker (English and Philosophy), and Ben Schermerhorn (Engineering and Physics))

Thinking about best practices to motivate and engage students but don't have a lot of time? Join faculty from English, Math, and Physics to consider cross-disciplinary approaches to improve student learning. In this session, we'll share practices including short affective check-ins, studying bites, and a variety of TILT strategies to support students. Our presentation will include a variety of hands-on activities for participants to try out as options for their classroom.
(This presentation is offered in-person only.)

AI Play and Explore
(Virtual Campus Crew)

There are many ways that AI can lighten the load for over-achieving (and at times under-resourced) instructors. Together we will explore practical applications of a generative AI tool that offers protection of your information and privacy of your text: Microsoft Copilot. Allow Copilot to handle the repetitive parts of research, writing, and project management. Let Copilot and other tools support inclusion by providing personalized, accessible learning experiences such as putting content in alternate formats or drafting diverse activities. Generative AI is a helpful tool for both you and students; however, it is impossible for AI to replace you or them!
(This session will be offered in-person with a live Zoom link available for remote access.)

Opportunities in Global Education
(Christina Lee (Global Education and International Services))

Opportunities in Global Education - This session will review several opportunities for faculty to internationalize their curriculum through high impact practices like COIL (collaborative online international learning) and faculty-led programs. We will also review professional development opportunities like Cornell's community college internationalization fellowship, Fulbright specialist designations, and programs through CAORC (Council of American Overseas Research Centers).
(This session will be offered in-person with a live Zoom link available for remote access.)

Afternoon Session

Safe Zone Training
(Michelle Carroll (Student Rights and Responsibilities))
(This presentation is offered in-person only.)