Changing Conceptions, Changing Practices: Innovating Teaching Across Disciplines

Changing Conceptions,Changing Practices offers a theory- and research-based heuristic for helping faculty transform their courses and programs, drawing on the threshold concepts framework, research in writing studies, and theories of learning, leadership, and change. It demonstrates how faculty members can be empowered when professional development leaders draw on a range of scholarship that is not typically connected, and offers a blueprint for action for WAC scholars, practitioners, leaders of professional development, program administrators, and curriculum committees.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 21 February 2023
Publisher: University Press of Colorado

Changing Conceptions, Changing Practices is a groundbreaking book that showcases the remarkable potential of groups of faculty members to transform teaching and learning in profound ways across their programs, despite the prevailing focus on efficiency and accountability. By drawing on the experiences of faculty from diverse disciplines such as art history, economics, psychology, and philosophy, the book offers a theory- and research-based heuristic for helping faculty members transform their courses and programs. The authors employ the threshold concepts framework, research in writing studies, and theories of learning, leadership, and change to delve into the challenges faced by faculty in designing meaningful curricula for deep learning and explore how carefully scaffolded professional development for faculty teams can facilitate such change.

In the current climate, where courses, programs, and institutions are frequently assessed and rewarded based on proxy metrics that have little to do with learning, the stakes have never been higher, particularly for public higher education. Faculty members need opportunities to work together using their own expertise and to create meaningful learning opportunities for students. Professional developers play a crucial role in these change efforts. WAC scholars and practitioners, leaders of professional development and centers for teaching excellence, program administrators and curriculum committees from all disciplines, and faculty innovators from various fields will find not only hope but also a blueprint for action in this book.

By embracing the principles and practices outlined in Changing Conceptions, Changing Practices, faculty members can empower themselves to design curricula that prioritize deep learning and engage students in meaningful and intellectually challenging experiences. The book provides practical examples and strategies that can be applied in any academic setting, and it encourages faculty members to think critically about their teaching practices and embrace innovation and collaboration.

In conclusion, Changing Conceptions, Changing Practices is a must-read for anyone who is committed to improving teaching and learning in higher education. It offers a powerful testament to the potential of faculty members to drive change and create a more equitable and effective learning environment for all students.

Weight: 460g
ISBN-13: 9781646423033