Fall 2008 Academy Forums
Making the Abstract More Accessible
HELD: Thursday, November 13th
Faculty Club, Dining Room
3:30 - 5:00 pm
Teaching scientific, mathematical, and engineering concepts, no matter how simple or how complex, can be a challenging matter. While mathematics is powerful at describing concepts from the real world, the sight of equations often places a barrier to engaging students in the learning process. We discuss our experiences with different techniques to engage students in learning mathematical concepts, including hands-on design projects, undergraduate research, class discussions and the use of pictures or tables in place of abstract symbols. Join our panelists Ian Harris/Statistical Science, and David Willis/Mechanical Engineering for this discussion.
Look Back in Awe: A Place to Start Thinking About the Undergraduate Curriculum
HELD: Friday, October 24th
Faculty Club, Dining Room
3:00 – 4:30 pm
You can listen to this forum by clicking here.
As we begin to envision new undergraduate curricular structures this academic year, we may gain from speaking to those who imagined our brilliant and innovative general education in the late 1970s. These colleagues also managed to persuade the faculty of each school--and relevant administrative personnel--to adopt this curriculum. While it lasted, SMU could claim to offer a uniquely distinctive set of course for all of its undergraduates. How did it happen then and what would it take to make it happen again? Join our panelists John Lewis/English, Bijan Mohraz/Environmental & Civil Engineering, Charley Helfert/Theatre, John Maguire/Chemistry and Bonnie Wheeler/English (moderator) for this discussion.
The Road to Tenure
HELD: Wednesday, September 17th
DeGolyer Library, Texana Room
3:30- 4:30 pm
(Faculty only)
The Chronicle of Higher Education ran a comedic article in July 2006, “The Academic Astrologer”—the prediction for Virgo: “You will be besieged with advice. Ignore it, and listen to your inner voice. Unless you don't have tenure.” This forum offers the practical advice junior faculty members—Virgos or not—need in order to avoid some of the pitfalls, or potholes, that lurk on the often perplexing pathway to tenure. Find helpful guideposts, including specific issues to be considered in the various schools, at this CTE Forum hosted by in-the-know Academy members and other reality-savvy Professors: Wayne Woodward/Statistics, Melissa Dowling/History, Larry Scholder/Art, and Bijan Mohraz /Environmental & Civil Engineering.