Q. What is the Teaching Academy (TA)?

A. The TA is a faculty development program designed to assist faculty in higher education from various
disciplines to enrich their courses to result in increased student learning. The TA will utilize a model of
engaged learning called Learner- Centered Teaching (LCT)

Q. What is Learner-Centered Teaching (LCT)?

A. Weimer (2002) defines LCT as a pedagogical philosophy that emphasizes the active role of learners in
developing a deep understanding of course topics.

Q. What are the course objectives of the Teaching Academy?

A. Sessions in the TA attempt to interweave the core philosophy and coherent approach of LCT with specific
teaching pedagogies that enhance student learning. The Academy also emphasizes evelopment of a “community
of faculty learners”, blends both formal and informal interactive sessions over the course of a full academic year,
and makes use of LCT methods in the training sessions themselves.

Q. How can participation in the TA benefit me?

A. University faculty are experts in a specific content area, but often experience frustration in trying to help
students effectively learn the material. The LCT approach shifts the emphasis from the professor to the students,
based on the science of how adults learn new material, thus, enhancing student learning and encouraging active
student collaboration in learning. This can result in a more satisfying teaching experience and better student retention of important class material. Additionally, participating in the TA can help professors evaluate their teaching approach as well as offer them practical ideas for implementing engaged learning strategies.