Center for Teaching & Learning

Using the UMass Amherst’s ICons Innovation Cycle of Inception, (Engagement, Research, Create, Reflect), participants will begin to design case study assignments around real-world problems. Working in small groups, participants will apply the cycle in aligning learning objectives to the assignment and consider what instructional scaffolding is necessary to support student learning. Finally, we will discuss assessment strategies including genre deconstruction, student-driven rubrics, and self- and peer-assessment. This workshop is facilitated by Dr. Scott Auerbach, professor of chemistry at UMass Amherst.

In addition to the nuts and bolts of of using the iCon Cycle framework, Dr. Auerbach discusses the benefits and possibilities of using real-world problems to reach important student learning objectives and ways to encourage STEM students to learn about the world around them.

Dr. Auerbach’s research focuses on simulating nanostructured materials important to renewable energy technologies including biofuels and fuel cells. Dr. Auerbach is the founder and the Mahoney Family Sponsored executive director of the Integrated Concentration in STEM (iCons) Program, which challenges STEM and Business students to design solutions for societal problems in renewable energy and biomedicine. In 2016, Auerbach won the inaugural Manning Prize for Teaching Excellence; and in 2017 Auerbach won the UMass Distinguished Teaching Award.

This event is presented by the College of Engineering and Mathematical Science.

This meeting will be held IN-PERSON in Innovation Hall, E204. You will receive a reminder prior to the event.