The Center for Teaching Excellence aims to support Xavier faculty in creating rich, collaborative learning environments that challenge our students intellectually, morally, and spiritually. The Center will promote effective teaching that is reflective, engaging, creative, and informed by both pedagogical and disciplinary knowledge.
See upcoming workshops and events
Fall CTE Invited Address
We are excited to welcome Dr. Dave Kung to Xavier University for the CTE Invited Address this Fall. He brings a wealth of expertise on active learning strategies and work on promoting diversity and inclusion in the classroom. He will be doing two events for us: an open plenary talk titled What’s Actually the Point? Teaching in the age of AI and a hands on workshop entitled Rising to the Challenge of Diversifying STEM Fields.
Dr. Dave Kung has worked in the intersection of mathematics and equity at numerous levels over the last three decades. He currently serves as Director of Programs for Transforming Post-Secondary Education in Mathematics (TPSE-Math). Prior to that, he served as the Director of Policy at the Charles A. Dana Center at The University of Texas at Austin. In this role, Kung led the Launch Years Initiative, working with state teams to modernize math options for students across the high school / higher ed transition – and ensure equitable access and success.
Kung directed MAA Project NExT (New Experiences in Teaching), the math community’s premiere professional development program for early-career professors, from 2014 to 2023. He also works closely with K-12 and higher ed organizations, especially concentrating on equity issues in mathematics. Two Great Courses lecture series, on math/music and mind-bending paradoxes, have engaged audiences around the world. He has authored a variety of articles and books on topics in harmonic analysis and mathematics education. Kung was awarded the Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Award, the MAA’s highest award in college math teaching, for his work at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, a public honors college outside Washington, D.C. He resides there, coaching local high school teachers, as well as playing violin and running–never simultaneously, but sometimes with alongside his partner and daughter.
Plenary Talk
Title: What’s Actually the Point? Teaching in the age of AI.
October 14th 3:00 – 4:15 PM – Conaton Board Room
We now teach in a world where ubiquitous devices can produce nearly all of the work we asked students to turn in just a decade or two ago. What does that mean for college teaching and learning? In this session we’ll search for a path forward – one that isn’t about bowing to our new AI overlords or doubling down on what’s been done historically. Instead we’ll explore what we should have cared about all along: fostering deep thinking and responsible citizenship.
Workshop
Rising to the Challenge of Diversifying STEM Fields
October 15th 10:00 – 11:15 AM
Women and minoritized students are more likely to fall out of the STEM pipeline at every stage from middle school on. Why do we need to address this issue? What can we do in our classrooms, departments, and institutions to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to succeed? Research suggests that interactive teaching methods, in contrast to passive lectures, might help us successfully address issues of diversity. Why do they work? What can we do in interactive classes to make sure they provide equitable opportunities to learn for all of our students? This interactive session will explore the various ways race and gender arise in our interactions with students, giving everyone an opportunity to practice thinking through challenging scenarios.
Syllabus Design
There is no standard syllabus format for every course at Xavier. Check with your department to see if there are departmental or college requirements for your syllabi.
For language to describe inclusive teaching, university policies, and student support services, review the CTE's suggested syllabus components.
Suggested syllabus language about the use of AI is coming soon