A considerable number of courses at Oakland University require student exposure to abstract ideas and concepts. Particularly in introductory courses, the college professor needs to find ways to explain these concepts properly in order to improve critical thinking and analytical reasoning. Given the increasing importance of active learning in the educational process, faculty at OU need to be on the cutting edge of innovative teaching methods. One of the ways in which this goal can be achieved is the organization of a community on the use of in-class simulations to teach concepts. Such a learning community will appeal to a wide array of disciplines and will enhance teaching strategies by providing a number of benefits. First, it will discuss the literature on simulations and investigate their effectiveness as a teaching tool. Second, the community will study the process of creating, conducting, and evaluating simulations, which will allow professors to use these skills beyond the community's meetings. Finally, the community will use the funding provided by OU to build a library of simulation books for future in-class use, as well as software that will assist faculty in the creation of electronic simulations in the future.  For more information please contact Cristian Cantir at cantir@oakland.edu.

To submit an online interest form for this Faculty Learning Community click here.

Schedule
To Be Determined