Sponsored by Portland State University’s Center for Academic Excellence

Sharing and Deepening the Learning

At this institute, diverse colleagues from around the globe will have the opportunity to explore innovative and transformative strategies for application at the organizational/institutional level as well as learn and practice several classroom level methodologies to improve student learning in your courses. Institute faculty will guide you in the development of a curriculum plan that you will be able to take home and use. Through the use of technology, the Institute faculty and participants will form on on-line community of practice that will provide benefit and support long after the event.

Institute Audience

The International Institute for Student-centered Learning and Engagement is designed to benefit diverse faculty, administrators, and both novice and advanced practitioners. Plenary sessions will introduce and explore common themes, while break-out sessions are tailored to address specific, classroom- or institution-based needs. This Institute is appropriate for both faculty interested in deepening student learning and engagement in the classroom as well as for administrative leaders interested in developing departmental or institutional transformational strategies.

Institute Goals

By attending this Institute, you will:

• Learn about proven strategies for institutional and departmental transformation and develop a strategic plan for application at your home institution
• Have multiple opportunities to develop new curricula or enhance your current set of courses with the infusion of proven, student-centered learning strategies
• Learn about, test and practice active learning techniques in a safe and fun environment
• Network with a learning cohort of faculty and administrative leaders from around the world
• Become part of an on-line community of practice that is designed to provide on-going support for Institute participants
• Receive specific feedback and support on your course, program, department-level, or institutional plan for integration and transformation

Schedule at a Glance

Institute faculty will actively use and test the strategies that we will be discussing! Activities will actively engage participants in exploring, experiencing, and evaluating student learning innovations and their fit in your home institution. The design of the Institute consists of several full group plenary sessions which will be followed by personalized cohort breakout sessions. Institute faculty will regularly meet with participants throughout the Institute to assist in the development of specific curricular, departmental, or institutional plans to take home.

Nightime activities will include a reception with Portland State University's President Daniel O. Bernstine and a Willamette River cruise for Institute participants.

Why Portland State University

Over a decade ago, a historic agenda of comprehensive institutional transformation was set forth at Portland State University (PSU). Reflecting its commitment to a newly-defined “urban” mission, PSU aligned its curriculum, undergraduate and graduate academic programs, scholarship and research, and community outreach and partnerships that explicitly placed student learning and student experience at the core of the educational enterprise.

On a sky bridge at the university, students embossed PSU’s motto, Let Knowledge Serve the City. PSU’s location in downtown Portland enhances its possibilities to be in and of the city and the metropolitan region and symbolically captures its commitment to the communities of which it is a part.

Several presidential initiatives in recent years, such as Internationalization, Diversity, Sustainability, and Assessment, and a “Great City, Great University,” project have enabled faculty, students, and community partners to reflect on our common purpose. PSU’s undergraduate program—University Studies—has emerged as a model for integration of student learning with service in the community (Colby et al, 2003; Ehrlich, 2000).

More about Portland, Oregon

Questions about the International Institute?

Contact Amy Spring, springa@pdx.edu, 503-725-5582.