Carroll Chair of Sciences and Assistant Professor of Biology Anne Davis recalls an experience, involving one of her undergraduate instructors during her college days, which helped to shape her teaching style today. The instructor introduced himself to students on the first day of class, with an ice-breaking twist to the typical first-day welcome.

At the front of the classroom, he displayed a series of T-shirts from his wardrobe, bearing slogans which illustrated aspects of his personality, interests and hobbies, and past experiences. Like magic, Ms. Davis and her classmates warmed up to their new instructor and became engaged from the start of the new semester. She eventually pursued an education career.

Student engagement is the subject of much academic literature on learning in the higher education setting.

“Research shows that actively engaging students increases learning. There is a shift away from completely lecture-based teaching. Documented studies show that creative ways of engaging students can build rapport and a sense of community in a classroom, that boosts attendance, increases persistence, and helps students achieve more,” said Ms. Davis.

Ms. Davis and her colleagues at Carroll, Michele Lenhart and Kristie Crumley, shared their insights and expertise with participants at the 18th Annual Conference of the Association of Faculties for Advancement of Community College Teaching (AFACCT). The conference was held at Carroll Community College on January 10 and 11, 2008. Community college faculty from around the state attended. Presenters for the variety of sessions came from other community colleges, as well as from Carroll.

The theme of this year’s conference was “Proving and Improving Teaching and Learning.” Keynote speakers, general presenters, and PowerPoint/poster session displays addressed all aspects of teaching and learning in the community college setting.

Ms. Davis presented the topic, “Top Ten Tips for Student Engagement” along with Ms. Lenhart and Ms. Crumley. “I borrowed my college instructor’s idea of sharing T-shirts from my closet to help members of our presentation audience get to know me. I shared T-shirts with logos from the universities I have attended, the colleges where I have taught, and T-shirts that reveal my science background. The participants in my session, which was completely filled, got a real kick out of this,” said Ms. Davis.

Other innovative presentations were given by Ms. Lenhart, Director of Co-Curricular and First Year Programs, and Ms. Crumley, an Assistant Professor of Math and the Coordinator of the Hill Scholars Program. Participants left the conference with ideas that cross all disciplines, which they could put immediately to use in their daily teaching.

A highlight of the conference was keynote speaker Linda Suskie, Vice President of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. During her 30 years of experience in college and university administration, Ms. Suskie has worked in assessment, institutional research, strategic planning, and quality management.

Faculty members from community colleges across Maryland gathered at the college for the annual AFACCT conference.

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