Learning Circles
Learning Circles are small collaborative groups of instructors who meet together to read and discuss teaching topics of interest. Learning Circles are open to all faculty, staff, and students engaged in the teaching excellence community. Participants in the learning circles (or communities of inquiry) engage with a book or selected readings, and then lend their unique viewpoints from different disciplines and teaching experiences not only to discuss the content and build comradery but also to consider how they can implement the ideas and concepts they're discussing into the context of their own classrooms.
Spring 2025 Learning Circles
Evidence-Based
Norton Guide to Equity-Minded Teaching
by Artze-Vega, Darby, Deswbury & Imad
Facilitated by Chris Babits
Tuesdays 10:00am - 11:00am
Feb 4 | Feb 11 | Feb 18 | Feb 25
Evidence-Based
"Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning"
by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, Mark A. McDaniel
Facilitated by John Russell
Thursdays 9:30am - 10:50am
Feb 6 | Feb 20 | Feb 27 | March 6 | March 20
Explore
The Missing Course: Everything They Never Taught You about College Teaching
by David Gooblar
Facilitated by C. Xavier Parent
Tuesdays 10:00am - 11:00am
Jan 28 | Feb 11 | Feb 25 | Mar 18 | Apr 1 | Apr 15
Foundations
Teaching at Its Best: A Research-Based Resource for College Instructors
by Todd D. Zakrajsek and Linda Nilson
Facilitated by Nate Trauntvein
Monday 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Jan 27 | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Feb 24
Foundations
A Pedagogy of Kindness (Teaching, Engaging, and Thriving in Higher Ed)
by Denial
Facilitated by Rosa Thornley
Wednesdays 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Feb 5 | Feb 19 | March 5 | March 19
Digital-Age
Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning
by José Antonio Bowen and C. Edward Watson
Facilitated by Pedram Jahangiry
Mondays 10:00am - 11:00am
Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Feb 24 | March 3 | March 24 | March 31
Community-Engaged
The Craft of Community-Engaged Teaching and Learning: A Guide for Faculty Development
by Marshall Welch and Star Plaxton-Moore
Facilitated by Jenn Cloward
Wednesdays 10:00am - 11:00am
Feb 12 | Feb 19 | Feb 26 | Mar 5
Past Circles
- How Humans Learn
- The Missing Course
- Blended Course Design Workbook
- Ungrading
- Engaging Learners through Zoom
- Distracted
- How we Learn
- Teach Yourself How to Learn
- Active Learning Online
- Teaching Naked Techniques
- The Amateur Hour
- Relationship-Rich Education: How Human Connections Drive Success in College
- Intentional Tech: Principles to Guide the Use of Educational Technology in College Teaching
- Creating Wicked Students
What Will You Takeaway From a Learning Circle?
Watch this example of how participating in an ETE Learning Circle on Hitting Pause impacted the teaching of this amazing group:
Interested in Facilitating a Learning Circle?
Survey on Canvas
Fill out the Learning Circle Survey in the ETE Canvas Course about your interests. If you are considering a specific book for use please consider the price, or check to see if it is offered as an eBook through the USU library. If you are planning to facilitate the circle yourself, please review the ETE Learning Circle Facilitator's Guide.
Work with ETE
Discuss with ETE what meeting days and times would work best for you and your group, how to acquire materials, number of participants, possible activities, and more.
Discussion
Remember, you are not expected to be an expert on this subject! It is more important to have an open mind surrounding your topic, and a desire to lead a discussion to learn and improve together.