KSU SoTL Summit: 9/19-20/24

Event Overview

Please join us for the 2024 Kennesaw State University (KSU) Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Summit! This year, we are excited to bring to the KSU Summit reports from the KSU OWLS-CARE research lab, sharing preliminary findings from projects co-facilitated by KSU German Studies students. Please support this exciting new initiative. More details below: Please read on!!

Highlighted Sessions:

1.      Across Campus, Across Oceans: Interdepartmental Partnerships to Increase Internationalization, English Proficiency, and Intercultural Competence

Presenters: Jennifer Hoosier, Sabine Smith

Session Description: In the face of the impending enrollment cliff and the declining interest in humanities programs, one growing sector in higher education is international students. These students participate in intensive English language programs that promote internationalization and cross-disciplinary collaboration, benefiting both learners and the host institutions.

This session presents an exploratory case study on the impact of a six-week English language learning program conducted during the Spring semester of 2024. A cohort of German vistors, non-German international students, and a group of instructors participated in this study, which examined their perceptions and experiences and also how the program influenced attitudes and behaviors of classmates.

Key Aspects Covered:

• Program Impact: Analyzing changes in participants' language proficiency and intercultural competence.
• Classmate Influence: Investigating the attitudinal and behavioral changes in classmates.
• Methodology: Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, including pre- and post-intervention tests, attitudinal surveys, and focus-group interviews with participants and instructors.
• Future Directions: Offering suggestions for future campus partnerships and internationalization initiatives.

Join presenters Jennifer Hoosier and Sabine Smith as they share their research findings and discuss the implications for expanding internationalization efforts on campus. Participants will have the opportunity to review the research findings in detail and engage in discussions about potential applications and future collaborations.

Session Schedule:

• Date: Thursday, Sep 19, 2024
• Time: 8 – 9 am
• Location: The 31st Annual Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Summit Conference is an international, fully virtual conference with five invited speakers and over 100 peer-reviewed presentations. This year, the SoTL Summit is FREE for all KSU faculty, staff, and students. Mark your calendars for September 19-20, 2024 and register today:
• Register here

This session is part of the broader 2024 KSU SoTL Summit, which aims to foster innovative teaching strategies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhanced learning outcomes across various fields of study. For more information and to register, please visit the official conference website.

2.     Undergraduate Research Lab Experiences in the Humanities, Part I: Human Subjects Research in German Studies and Beyond

Presenters: Sabine Smith, Amanda Buchanan, Gvantsa Kiknavelidze, Sean Dunn

Session Description: While applied research lab experiences have long been a staple in STEM fields and are increasingly prevalent in social sciences like Psychology and Political Science, such opportunities are not as commonly available in the Humanities. This session addresses this gap by showcasing the innovative work piloted in a German Studies research lab at a regional R2 institution.

Key Aspects Covered:

• Lab Mission: The mission of this research lab is to train undergraduate (UG) learners in research methods and career competencies through grant-funded projects.
• Preliminary Findings: UG research lab team members will present preliminary findings from an exploratory case study on the impact of short-term intensive language programs.
• Research Methodology: As IRB-certified UG research assistants, the students support data collection and analysis in a mixed-methods study that includes pre- and post-intervention assessments, attitudinal surveys, and focus-group interviews with two learner groups and language instructors.
• Merits of the Pilot: The presentation will conclude with observations on the benefits of the German Studies research lab pilot. Focus areas include UG student success, high-impact practices such as service-learning, and the development of intercultural and career-oriented competencies among UG learners.

Join presenters Sabine Smith, Amanda Buchanan, Gvantsa Kiknavelidze, and Sean Dunn as they discuss the implementation and outcomes of this pioneering research lab. Attendees will gain insights into the processes and benefits of incorporating research lab experiences into Humanities disciplines, with a particular emphasis on enhancing student engagement and career readiness.

Session Schedule:

• Date: Friday, Sep 20, 2024
• Time: 10:30 – 11:30 am
• Location: The 31st Annual Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Summit Conference is an international, fully virtual conference with five invited speakers and over 100 peer-reviewed presentations. This year, the SoTL Summit is FREE for all KSU faculty, staff, and students. Mark your calendars for September 19-20, 2024 and register today:
• Register here

This session is part of the broader 2024 KSU SoTL Summit, which aims to foster innovative teaching strategies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhanced learning outcomes across various fields of study. For more information and to register, please visit the official conference website.

3.     Undergraduate Research Lab Experiences in the Humanities, Part 2: Examining German History and Contemporary Culture

Presenters: Sabine Smith, Caitlin O'Kelley, Marshall McNair

Session Description: While applied research lab experiences are commonly offered to undergraduate (UG) students in STEM fields and are gaining ground in social sciences, they remain less accessible in the humanities. This session shines a light on the pioneering work of a German Studies research lab at a regional R2 institution, demonstrating the value and impact of such opportunities in the humanities.

Key Aspects Covered:

• Lab Mission: The mission of this research lab is to train undergraduate learners in research methods and interdisciplinary connections, enhancing their career competencies.
• Preliminary Findings: UG research lab team members will present their preliminary findings from interdisciplinary research that connects German Studies with History and Public Administration.
  • Presenter 1 (Marshall McNair): Investigates the field of historical biography studies through research on the life of German scientist Gerhard Dirks, providing insights into his contributions and historical context.
  • Presenter 2 (Caitlin O'Kelley): Examines how public policies in the states of Georgia and Baden-Württemberg address skilled labor market needs, with a focus on education and economic development.
• Merits of the Pilot: The presentation will conclude with a discussion on the benefits of the German Studies research lab pilot, particularly in terms of UG student success. Emphasis will be placed on high-impact practices such as service-learning and the development of intercultural as well as career-oriented competencies among UG learners.

Join presenters Sabine Smith, Caitlin O'Kelley, and Marshall McNair as they share their research findings and discuss the implementation and outcomes of this innovative research lab. Attendees will gain insights into the processes and benefits of incorporating research lab experiences into Humanities disciplines, with a particular focus on enhancing student engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Session Schedule:

• Date: Friday, Sep 20, 2024
• Time: 2:30 – 3:30 pm
• Location: The 31st Annual Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Summit Conference is an international, fully virtual conference with five invited speakers and over 100 peer-reviewed presentations. This year, the SoTL Summit is FREE for all KSU faculty, staff, and students. Mark your calendars for September 19-20, 2024 and register today:
• Register here

This session is part of the broader 2024 KSU SoTL Summit, which aims to foster innovative teaching strategies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhanced learning outcomes across various fields of study. For more information and to register, please visit the official conference website.

4.     Enhancing Leadership Skills Development through Multicultural Workshop Design and Assessment in Higher Education

Presenters: Sabine Smith, Gvantsa Kiknavelidze

Session Description: Leadership skills development (LSD) exists in a myriad of pathways through which individuals can acquire expertise.This presentation explores the effectiveness of LSD in higher education in an original, research-based interactive workshop that synthesizes best practices in content and format for undergraduate students in English. Utilizing validated pre- and post-intervention surveys, the study aims to assess the effectiveness of the workshop and offers insights into how the methodology could be adapted across disciplines and cultural contexts.

Key Aspects Covered:

1. Comprehensive Workshop Design: Experience a structured LSD workshop that covers critical leadership topics such as public speaking, conflict management, engaged leadership, team leadership, and effective communication. Discover a multicultural template that ensures a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
2. Interactive Learning and Peer Support: Engage in a one-hour presentation filled with group activities, including role-playing exercises, case studies, and group discussions. This interactive format not only enhances active participation but also promotes social learning through peer support, a burgeoning field in LSD. Apply newly acquired knowledge in real-time and reinforce learning outcomes.
3. Assessment and Insights: Gain insights from a thorough analysis of pre- and post-workshop surveys using the validated Leadership Learning Outcomes Questionnaire (LLOQ). We'll present both quantitative and qualitative feedback from participants, providing data on the workshop's effectiveness in advancing LSD. Learn how these findings can inform future leadership development initiatives and contribute to your personal growth.

Don't miss this opportunity to participate in a groundbreaking workshop that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, fostering leadership excellence in a supportive and engaging environment. Join us to transform your leadership journey and achieve significant outcomes!

Session Schedule:

• Date: Thursday, Sep 19, 2024
• Time: 11:45 – 12:45 pm
• Location: The 31st Annual Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Summit Conference is an international, fully virtual conference with five invited speakers and over 100 peer-reviewed presentations. This year, the SoTL Summit is FREE for all KSU faculty, staff, and students. Mark your calendars for September 19-20, 2024 and register today:
• Register here

This session is part of the broader 2024 KSU SoTL Summit, which aims to foster innovative teaching strategies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhanced learning outcomes across various fields of study. For more information and to register, please visit the official conference website.

In addition to this featured session, the 2024 KSU SoTL Summit will offer a diverse range of sessions focusing on innovative teaching practices, curriculum development, student engagement, and much more.

Registration Information

• The 31st Annual Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Summit Conference is an international, fully virtual conference with five invited speakers and over 100 peer-reviewed presentations. This year, the SoTL Summit is FREE for all KSU faculty, staff, and students. Mark your calendars for September 19-20, 2024 and register today:
• Register here

We look forward to welcoming you to an inspiring and educational summit that promises to enhance your teaching practice and promote scholarly collaboration.