University Events

Description: Abstract: "Flipping the classroom" moves passive, background instruction outside of the classroom, leaving in-class time for student-centered activities that foster greater comprehensive and collaborative learning. The efficacy of this pedagogical approach has been demonstrated time and again, but instructors sometimes struggle with the logistics of flipping their courses and how to best use class time. In this session, we will discuss strategies for flipping courses in any discipline, explore two web-based formats for delivering course content to students outside class, and discuss approaches for ensuring outside-of-class student learning and student accountability for class preparation. Finally, we will discuss web-based resources for enhancing student-centered learning in class, while also fostering student creativity and genuine student interest in the course subject matter. This will be a blended presentation/workshop with ample time for Q&A and discussion. Please bring a web-enabled smart device.

About the Presenter: Dr. Thomas Mennella is a molecular geneticist and has been an instructor in higher education for more than eight years. As an Assistant Professor at Delaware State University (DSU), Tom experimented with Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and was an early-adopter of the iClicker student response system. Now an Associate Professor at Bay Path University, Tom primarily teaches Genetics and Cell and Molecular Biology. He is an early-adopter of the flipped classroom format at Bay Path and is intimately involved in Bay Path’s iPad initiative. At Bay Path University, Tom has given professional development presentations on the flipped classroom format, on the logistics of running a flipped classroom, and on the use of Tegrity as a web-based platform for lecture capture. In addition, he has presented the flipped classroom philosophy to prospective students and their parents at Bay Path recruitment events. Tom has given numerous scientific presentations, and more recently, Tom has become an outspoken proponent of the flipped learning approach, presenting at NERCOMP2014, guest blogging on EmergingEdTech.com (http://www.emergingedtech.com/2014/07/my-flipped-classroom-i-will-never-teach-another-way-again/), and invited to present on flipped learning once again at NERCOMP2015 in March.

Lunch will be served; if you wish to attend, please register through the Events calendar on UMD website.