Pattern alterations improve teaching practices

Kudos to FDM instructor Erin Robinson, who recently completed a Faculty Development Course for Effective Teaching Practices.  Erin heard about the course during the pandemic and though it would be a positive way improve her teaching.  She learned about different student-centered practices, how including how to teach student learning processes (e.g., notetaking), altering courses to make them accessible to different learning styles, and utilizing student feedback.  Erin raved about the course, saying it “gave me some insight on how to work on critical thinking with my students and forced me out of my box of how apparel construction ‘should be’ taught.” One of the critical thinking components Erin now employs in her sewing classes is to have a group discussion before every project.  “I never imagined that group discussions could be part of apparel construction, but it really helps the students with critical thinking and working through questions together,” she explained.  The course was offered by the Association of College and University Educators via the UH Center for Teaching Excellence.  -Andy Reilly & Jacqueline Tani