Utilizing Strengths Assessments in the Age of AI
In-Person
Abstract
Teaching in higher education in the age of AI requires intentional adjustments to curricula and pedagogy to prepare students for post-graduation life and a rapidly shifting job market. In a recent ‘Inside Higher Ed’ article (‘What Today’s College Students Need’), author Steven Mintz contends that college environments still need to adapt to meet the needs and expectations of today’s students. The landscape has changed. Compared to earlier years, today’s college population consists of more non-traditional students, more part-time and working students, more transfer students, and more caregivers, international students, and students with disabilities.
Perhaps more than ever, students are reporting a greater need for relevant and career-focused learning experiences, skills-based education, and mentorship, connection, and community. Today’s employers are also asking for more graduates with durable soft skills that transfer across roles and professions.
This session will focus on helping students discover, develop, and humanize their unique strengths and professional abilities using validated strengths assessments and personality frameworks (i.e. CliftonStrengths, Enneagram, Myers-Briggs, and DISC). We will discuss how these tools can be leveraged to address the needs of today’s students and employers and will explore ways to make them applicable both in and outside of a classroom and beyond graduation.
Presenters
Marlene Graf
Prof Practice Assoc Professor
Marlene Graf is a registered dietitian and Professional Practice Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences at USU. She has taught courses in a variety of formats since 2007 and was the recipient of the Eldon J. Gardner Teacher of the Year Award in 2013. She enjoys cycling, hiking, podcasts, and little adventures with her family.
Alyssa Reidhead
Prof Practice Asst Professor
Alyssa Reidhead is a Professional Practice Assistant Professor in the Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences department at Utah State University. She is a Utah State University graduate and registered dietitian. Her passion lies within dietetics management and she enjoys helping her students develop leadership and management skills. Alyssa values the importance of hands-on application to support classroom instruction and faculty mentorship for student success. When not at work, Alyssa enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, gardening, and traveling.