September 20/96

FACULTY DEVELOPMENT

David Jones, Committee Chair

David Jones

Let me begin with a word of self-introduction: I've worked at the
College as a counsellor since 1972 (with two years off to re-
discover the joys (?) of the student life). Both of these factors - the
nature of my work and my long period of employment here - has
allowed me to have contact with a great number of faculty and
departments. I hope I can expand that contact in my capacity as
Faculty Development Liason Person, and I look forward to hearing
from you about the kinds of events you will find professionally
valuable.

I see professional development as being increasingly
important, certainly for the obvious reasons of staying current
with one's discipline, and making a contribution to the ongoing
life of the college, but also for a sense of renewal (especially for us
long-time faculty), and to gain exposure to new modes of delivery
and knowledge of the changing needs of a diverse student
population

May 1996 Faculty Development Days. It's been
interesting to see the change in emphasis in offerings over the
years. The other day I came across an old programme from
May1983 Faculty Development Days. Then, there was a debate
on the resolution "That computer literacy is pre-requisite for
successful learning in the 80's", and workshops had titles like
"Microcomputers in Education: The Electronic Key to the
Future," and "The Social Implications of the Microcomputer
Wave."

Now the role of computer technology is taken for
granted, and this past May there was overflow enrolment in
"hands on' workshops where faculty could develop or increase
their computer skills. You have asked for follow-up workshops
that emphasize specific applications (e.g., grade books and
production of classroom aids), and we're exploring the possibility
of more introductory and advanced workshops - maybe as early as
January 1997.

In addition, to use the (probably outdated) ‘high
tech/high touch’ distinction, you've remained enthusiastic about
workshops that allow you the opportunity to learn and share
instructional techniques. As an example, the workshop by Eleanor
Boyle on "Increasing Student Participation" had the highest
enrolment of any of the May workshops.

Instructional Skills Workshops. Two of these intensive 4-
day workshops were offered in May. Participants were
unanimously enthusiastic and positive about this opportunity to
learn and practice new instructional skills, and to receive
feedback in a supportive atmosphere. May 1996 participants
were:
Lawrence Wu - Applied Information Technology
Conchita Furstenwald - Spanish
Sally Livingstone - Applied Business Technology
Lynne Somerville - Student Employment Centre
Diedra Goodwin - Entrepreneurship Program
Crystal Hurdle - English
Jim May - Business Administration
Lucas Foss - Disability Support Services
Davor Marjanovic - Film Animation
David Winchester - Political Studies

We also now have a pool of five ISW facilitators on
campus: Paul Carter, Jean Clifford, Frank Harris,
Jessie Pendygrasse, and Margot Rawsthorne. We hope
to be able to offer at least one ISW in the first week in January '97
before classes begin. If you're interested, and you'd like more
information about the ISW's, all of the above people would be
happy to talk to you.

Conference and Research Grants. A limited number of
these grants are awarded twice a year by the Faculty
Development Committee. (See the May 1996 Informer or check
with me for a list of last spring's recipients and the range of
activities which were funded.) This is just a reminder that if
you've been at the College for two years, and have at leasta 4-
section assignment for this term, you're eligible to apply.
Application deadline for this Fall is October 15. Application
forms are available from me at local 2534.

OFF CAMPUS

Faculty Exchange. Remember, the College isa member of the
Community College Faculty Exchange Programme. If you're
interested in a semester's or a year's exchange with a faculty
member in some other part of North America, | have a list of
participating institutions. Closer to home, a Langara English
instructor who lives on the North Shore is interested in a year's
exchange with a Cap instructor who lives in Vancouver. If you
want to avoid the bridge traffic for a year, let me know.

PD Activities at other Institutions. We have always had
an informal arrangement that allows us to participate in PD
offerings at other institutions. Douglas College has an especially
broad range of offerings; | have their current brochure if you'd
like a look. We may also be involved in more collaborative activities
in the coming year. I'll keep you posted.

Finally, the Faculty Development Committee needs and
welcomes your input. Watch for our brief survey soliciting your
evaluation of last May's events, and your suggestions for future
PD offerings. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Faculty Development Committee: Leslie Baker,
Janet Black, Rick Brewster, Anne Watson. (With two
more CCFA reps to come from the Arts, Science &
Media Technology, and the Student and
Instructional Services, Divisions

@nformer