Summer 2009 Reading Groups

Small informal groups read a book on teaching or higher education and meet two to four times to discuss the book. Organize your own group or let us help you form one. Meeting times and facilitators are arranged by the group. The Kaneb Center purchases a copy of the book for each member of the group. This program is open to faculty and graduate teaching assistants.

We recommend two books this summer, although groups are welcome to propose other titles.

Creating Significant Learning Experiences: An Integrated Approach to Designing College Courses
L. Dee Fink. Jossey-Bass, 2003.

Urges teachers to shift from a content-centered approach to a learning-centered approach. Provides conceptual and procedural tools for designing instruction. Combines ideas from the literature on college teaching with new concepts, including a taxonomy of significant learning.

Dr. Fink will visit Notre Dame on September 11-12, 2009 to present a book talk and conduct a day-long workshop.

Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School
John Medina. Pear Press, 2009.

A molecular biologist describes how brain science might influence the way we teach and work. The rules are based on what scientists know about the brain, and are highlighted with stories and humor.