Hello and welcome to another issue of Innovatus, a special issue of YFile that is devoted to teaching and learning innovation at York University.
Will Gage
As I write this welcome message to you, I find that I am amazed by the passage of time and how cold the weather has become. Just a few short weeks ago, I wrote to you about how York University was welcoming new faculty. Sunshine and record high temperatures greeted the fall semester. Now the predictions are for snow this weekend. Brrr!
To add some warmth to your day, this issue of Innovatus features some really interesting stories and the official call for submissions for the next phase of York University’s highly regarded Academic Innovation Fund. As with previous issues, there are several stories on experiential education and its impact on students, including a story on murder in the archives, another on role playing to simulate the European Union, and a great article on the importance of Community Service Learning.
Featured in the October 2018 issue of Innovatus
Inspiring ideas wanted: Apply now for an Academic Innovation Fund grant
Do you have an inspiring idea for how to create innovation and change in teaching and learning at York University? If so, why not submit a proposal to York University’s highly successful Academic Innovation Fund. The call for project submissions is now open and the deadline to submit your idea(s) is Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, by 4 p.m. Click here for the story.
Using activities as a means to engage student learning
When students step through the door of Professor Heather MacRae’s political science course they often don’t know who they will be. One day they are members of the European Union parliament, another day they may take part in policy debate. All are activities designed by MacRae to actively engage her students in their learning. Click here for the story.
Murder in the Archives, classroom style
In his fourth-year history course, Murder in the Archives, the focus of William Wicken’s course is archival research using primary sources. Student teams of two each choose a historic Ontario murder case and research the details using court documents and other records available from the Ontario Archives, which is located on the Keele Campus. Click here for the story.
From local to global, School of Kinesiology and Heath Science students embrace experiential learning
In her course, International Sport and Development, Faculty of Health Professor Lyndsay Hayhurst pairs student teams with community organizations for an impactful experiential education opportunity that reaps huge benefits for both students and their community partners. Click here for the story.
Registrations are now open for York U’s popular Teaching in Focus conference
On Dec. 5, York University’s Teaching in Focus conference returns for another year. As with previous years, the 2018 TIF features a dynamic program. This year’s theme focuses on student engagement. Click here for the story.
The Associate Deans Teaching and Learning Council seeks members for three committees
Members of the University community are encouraged to participate on one of three committees that will look at technology-enhanced learning, experiential education, and research and innovation on teaching and learning. The deadline to submit an expression of interest is Friday, Nov. 9. Click here for the story.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Innovatus, which is produced by the Office of the Associate Vice-President Teaching & Learning in partnership with Communications & Public Affairs.
I extend a personal invitation to you to share your experiences in teaching, learning, internationalization and the student experience through the Innovatus story form, which is available at http://tl.apps01.yorku.ca/machform/view.php?id=16573/.
Sincerely,
Will Gage
Associate Vice-President Teaching & Learning