The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) announced that seven instructors successfully completed the 2024 Course Design Institute (CDI) held on campus this spring.
The participants represented a variety of disciplines:
From left, Danielle Santos, a doctoral student and research assistant in the Herb Innovation Center; Dr. James Burkett, an assistant professor of neuroscience in the UToledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences; Dr. Jiayong Lui, an associate professor in the College of Medicine and Life Sciences; Dr. Robert Langendorfer, an assistant lecturer in the College of Engineering; Dr. Alana Malik, university assessment director; Dr. Jeanne Kusina, director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning; Dr. Qun Wang, an assistant professor in the College of Arts and Letters; Dr. Lindsay Riegle, an adjunct faculty member in the College of Health and Human Services; and Dr. Amy Bian, an associate lecturer and program director of Mechanical Engineering Technology in the College of Engineering.
• Dr. Amy Bian, an associate lecturer and program director of Mechanical Engineering Technology in the College of Engineering;
• Dr. James Burkett, an assistant professor of neuroscience in the UToledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences;
• Dr. Robert Langendorfer, an assistant lecturer in the College of Engineering;
• Dr. Jiayong Lui, an associate professor in the College of Medicine and Life Sciences;
• Dr. Lindsay Riegle, an adjunct faculty member in the College of Health and Human Services;
• Danielle Santos, a doctoral student and research assistant in the Herb Innovation Center; and
• Dr. Qun Wang, an assistant professor in the College of Arts and Letters.
The weeklong CDI was facilitated by Dr. Jeanne Kusina, director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, and Dr. Alana Malik, university assessment director.
This intensive, interactive workshop was designed to help faculty develop and refine their course materials and elements. Participants engaged in sessions focused on integrating evidence-based teaching practices to enhance student success and retention. Ideal for those developing new courses or revising existing ones, the CDI offers direct interaction with colleagues and facilitators who provide essential tools and support for building effective, student-centered courses. Faculty learned to:
• Implement innovative, evidence-based practices for equitable learning environments.
• Define course goals and student learning outcomes.
• Design assignments and assessment tools aligned with course objectives.
This valuable opportunity enables faculty to elevate their teaching and course design, contributing to improved educational outcomes.
“The Course Design Institute is my favorite week of the year,” Malik said. “I love facilitating the program, building relationships with our faculty members and helping them to improve their courses. Dedicated teachers, like those who attend CDI, are key to our students’ success.”