The spring Teaching and Learning Symposium will take place from noon to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center.

The symposium begins with lunch and a keynote with Jennifer Smith, director of the University of Florida’s Center for Teaching Excellence, on cultivating meaningful, efficient classroom discussions.

In her keynote, “Small Group Discussion: A Powerhouse for Learning,” Smith argues that small group discussion is a uniquely flexible teaching tool that can support and enhance a variety of course, learner, and classroom goals, including developing student critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills and furthering an inclusive, productive learning environment. Informed by research on social learning and demonstrating specific discussion protocols, her interactive presentation explores the many uses and benefits of small group discussion. Discussion challenges will also be matched to possible solutions relevant for both face-to-face and online learning.

The afternoon will continue with a variety of breakout sessions by University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty on classroom research and innovative teaching strategies including teaching a cross-continent virtual exchange classroom; a “small teaching” tips and strategies speed session; a panel of faculty using the social engagement platform Yellowdig; and a presentation and workshop by the College of Arts and Sciences Teaching Fellows based upon their research.

The Teaching and Learning Symposium is a professional development opportunity sponsored by the Executive Vice Chancellor’s Office and the Center for Transformative Teaching in the fall and spring. The symposium provides an opportunity to engage in conversations about teaching and learning, to hear from experts on emerging issues in improving student outcomes and to network with others seeking to improve teaching at Nebraska.

Additional details about the symposium and a registration link are available online.