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EdVentures

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What is EdVentures?

EdVentures is an informal, monthly series showcasing 91ÁÔÆæ faculty innovators who serve as your guide through uncharted teaching territories, sharing their experience with innovative tools and pedagogical approaches. These brown-bag sessions occur throughout the Fall and Spring semesters in the Thorpe Center. 


Seeking EdVenture Guides

Do you use a creative tool or pedagogical approach in your classroom? We would love for you to join us as an EdVenture Guide. Please reach out to Stephanie Guedet, our Lead Instructional Designer, for more information. 


Fall 2026 EdVentures

 


Past EdVentures

From Pedagogy to Ped-AI-gogy: Fostering Learners' 21st Century Skills in the Age of AI

Tuesday, September 15, 2026
3 p.m. | Thorpe Center
Dr. Sabiha Sultana, Assistant Professor of Educational Studies

In this session, we explored the emerging shift from traditional pedagogy to “ped-AI-gogy,� an instructional approach where generative AI is treated not as a shortcut to answers but as a tool learners must critically evaluate, audit, and question. Participants learned practical implementation strategies about how AI tools can be used in classrooms to build essential 21st-century skills like critical thinking, discernment, and metacognition while supporting equitable outcomes for all learners in an increasingly AI-saturated classroom.


The Use of Reflection in Complementary Assessment Strategies

Tuesday, October 13, 2026
3 p.m. | Thorpe Center
Dr. Courtney Irby, Associate Professor of Sociology

In this session, we discussed the practice of adding reflection assignments to supplement assessment and complement student learning. Providing structured opportunities for students to engage in self-reflection not only provides them with a space to self-advocate for their own learning but encourages students to see their own growth and place it within their personal goals. Participants had the opportunity to learn about example assignments and brainstormed how to implement similar strategies in their own courses.

Connections, Representation, and Engagement through Project Based Learning in an Online Language Classroom

Wednesday, February 4, 2026
12 p.m. | Thorpe Center
Cristina Almeida, Instructor, WLLC

Cristina shared her reflections and experiences designing the Spanish 101 course (transitioned to online) under the principles of PBLL (Project Based Language Learning) and Self Determination Theory. She focused on examples of practices that exposed students to authentic/real material, gave them voice & choice, provided multimodal and diverse activities to maximize access and engagement, and brought novelty, while emphasizing and valuing the process.


Talking to the Robot: AI as Teaching Assistant

Wednesday, March 1, 2026
12 p.m. | Thorpe Center
Mark Liffiton, Professor, Computer Science

In this EdVenture, Mark discussed how he’s built and used AI tools for teaching, led a hands-on demo, and addressed the benefits, challenges, and risks he’s seen so far. He sparked some discussion in the session as well, continuing already ongoing conversations as we all adapt to the new technology.

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Shake it Up: Utilize Emergent Strategy to Refresh Your Teaching Practice and Rediscover Alignment With Your Teaching Philosophy

Wednesday, April 1, 2026
12 p.m. | Thorpe Center
Justin Brill, Assistant Professor, Theater Arts

This EdVenture began with the Emergent Strategy framework and how it shaped Justin’s teaching philosophy. Justin provided brief reflections for the group to consider after the session, then explored some ungrading and restorative practices that he employs to further align with his teaching philosophy. Finally, he shared the impact of these strategies on student motivation and engagement in course content.

Curating Care: A Student’s Journey in 91ÁÔÆæâ€™s Nursing Archive

Wednesday, September 3, 2025
12 p.m. | Thorpe Center
Dr. Alyssa Culp, Assistant Professor of History

This talk shared a semester-long EdVenture from the Spring 2025 History of Nursing course, where students researched, designed, and curated both a physical and digital exhibit to showcase the legacy of nursing on our campus. It explored how project-based learning, archival research, and digital storytelling deepened student engagement, fostered interdisciplinary collaboration, and supported the development of a meaningful public-facing project.


From Scattered to Supported: Teaching Students How to Work in Teams

Wednesday, October 1, 2025
12 p.m. | Thorpe Center
Dr. Libby Haywood, Assistant Professor of Biology

Who doesn't have a dreaded group project story? We know that teamwork and collaboration are top marketable skills for our students, but too often we throw them in groups and say "figure it out!" leading to sub-par outcomes, especially for the most marginalized. Libby shared strategies she implemented over the last 6 years in her General Biology laboratory to scaffold semesters-long teamwork projects, including team formation surveys, asset-mapping, conflict management, accountability check-ins, and more!


Implementing a Flipped Classroom Using Class Preparation Tasks (CPTs)

Wednesday, November 5, 2025
12 p.m. | Thorpe Center
Dr. Lisa Hensey, Assistant Professor of Educational Studies

This session explored the flipped classroom model, an instructional approach where students engage with foundational content outside of class through readings and videos, then use class time for higher-order thinking activities like discussion, analysis, and problem-solving. Participants learned practical implementation strategies, including Class Preparation Tasks (CPTs) and discovered how this model promotes deeper learning by aligning with Bloom's Taxonomy while supporting diverse learning needs and maximizing valuable in-person instruction time.


Fostering Trust and Interaction Within Your First Week of Class

Wednesday, December 3, 2025
12 p.m. | Thorpe Center
Dr. Lindsey Kellar, Assistant AD for Student-Athlete Wellness 

This EdVenture explored techniques for establishing an engaged and supportive classroom environment on day one of class by incorporating interactive and engaging strategies that set the tone for a semester of meaningful student discussions and interactions. Additionally, it discussed how to demonstrate investment in getting to know individual students and therefore building a culture of comfort and trust that encourages participation and learning within the crucial first week of class.