Teaching Circles are small groups of faculty from various disciplines who come together to discuss matters related to teaching and learning.  Members meet to dive deeply into a topic as well as develop relationships with faculty across campus.  Members serve as informal “discussion leaders” but the conversation is typically guided by the group at large.

Faculty Teaching and Learning Core

Teaching Circles Schedule 

Fall 2024

A PEDAGOGY OF KINDNESS TEACHING CIRCLE
Every Other Week Starting September 23rd (Mondays); 1:15 – 2:15 pm (Sep 23. Oct 7, 21, Nov 18, Dec 2)

Meet in the Faculty Resource Center, LC 202

Host: Dr. Kaitlin Sidorsky, Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Policy

In the past few years there has been a notable increase in harsh language and disrespectful dialogue online, in government, and across college campuses. Catherine J. Denial, author of A Pedagogy of Kindness (University of Oklahoma Press 2024) not only noticed this trend, but has also seen how academia itself has long been competitive and individualistic with little kindness to be found. In this Teaching Circle we will read A Pedagogy of Kindness and workshop our own courses to make them more kind. This includes adjusting syllabi, assessments, and content delivery as well as discussing how to improve classroom culture and respectful dialogue. Please email Prof. Kaitlin Sidorsky to reserve your book ksidorsk@ramapo.edu.

SoTL AND SNACKS TEACHING CIRCLE
First Wednesdays (Every(ish) 1st Wednesday of the Month Starting September 11th) (Wednesdays); 4:30 – 5:30 pm (Sep 11, Oct 2, Nov 6, Dec 4)

Meet in the Faculty Resource Center, LC 202

Host: Dr. Rikki Abzug, Director, Faculty Resource Center, Professor of Management

Ramapo’s reputation for teaching and mentoring is further supported by all of the great Scholarship of Teaching and Learning coming out of our convening groups!  If you’re an editor of a pedagogy journal, a scholar/author of educational practice or theory in your field, and/or if you’re just curious and looking to explore the world of SoTL (Scholarship of Teaching and Learning) come join us the first Wednesdays of the month (though we’ll start on the 2nd Wednesday of September) for some afternoon snacks and SoTL support!  We’ll be reading/working through Nancy L. Chick’s The SoTL Guide and, perhaps, organizing pot lucks! Please email Prof. Rikki Abzug to reserve your spot Rabzug@ramapo.edu.

FACULTY WRITING CIRCLE
Weekly starting September 4th (Wednesdays); 9:00 -11:00 am

WebEx Link: https://ramapo.webex.com/meet/cmarti13 (NO RSVP needed. Just click and join!)

Host: Dr. Colleen Martinez, Assistant Professor of Social Work

The Faculty Writing Circle will meet on Webex every Tuesday during the spring semester, from 8-10 a.m. to write in a supportive environment.  There is no need to register, and no weekly commitment is necessary.  If your schedule allows, please just show up! Participants will briefly check in on writing goals and then turn off their cameras/microphones and spend time writing.  Participants will check in on progress and close the session at 10 a.m. Please email Prof. Colleen Martinez with questions cmarti13@ramapo.edu.

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Every Other Week Starting September 17th (Tuesdays): 1:15-2:00 pm (Sep 17, Oct 1, 15, 29, Nov 12, 26, Dec 10)

ONLINE – WebEx – https://ramapo.webex.com/ramapo/j.php?MTID=m93de4c6b4866d33db2bd89df6f92e241

Host: Dr. Fariba Nosrati, Assistant Professor of Information Technology Management

This circle is a space where we discuss and analyze various methods of conducting qualitative research. Our discussions will cover topics such as action research, ethnography, grounded theory, and case studies. We will also explore the underlying principles of qualitative research, best practices, and effective approaches. Through sharing our expertise, we aim to enrich our toolbox of research methodologies and enhance our ability to conduct impactful research. The discussions will be inclusive and welcoming to participants from diverse disciplines. Let’s come together to share our experiences and learn from one another!

Please contact  Fariba Nosrati at fnosrati@ramapo.edu with questions.

RSVP – https://forms.gle/u4bRi8iczsAwMMDx7

FALL GRANT WRITING SERIES
Hybrid sessions will take place in the Faculty Resource Center (LC-202) on the following Thursdays from 1:00-2:00pm: Set 19, Oct 3,17,31, Nov 14, 21 (Faculty Panel)

WebEx Link: https://ramapo.webex.com/meet/bconnors (NO RSVP needed. Just click and join!)

The Fall Grant Writing Series will guide you through the development of a competitive grant proposal, from defining your funding needs through writing the project narrative and creating your budget.  Topics to be covered include:

1. The importance of grants in research and scholarship at a primarily undergraduate institution
2. Key components of a grant proposal
3. Identifying the significance of your project 
4. Formulating goals and objectives
5. Linking outputs and outcomes to the goals and objectives through a logic model
6. Outlining methodology and approach
7. Addressing potential challenges and limitations
8. Incorporating innovative and impactful elements
9. Tips for budget planning and allocation of funds, including justification
10. Knowing where to find institutional data, resources and other information for grant applications
11. Legal aspects of a grant submission, including applicant responsibilities
12. Faculty Panel: How to manage a successful grant application

Participants are encouraged to meet with the Office of Grants and Sponsored Programs between Writing Circle meetings (D Wing Room 211L).

Please contact Bernadette Connors at bconnors@ramapo.edu with questions.

For questions regarding the FRC, please contact Rikki Abzug, Director, FRC – Rabzug@ramapo.edu