Teaching-Learning Academy dialogues begin Oct. 4 & 5

The Teaching-Learning Academy (TLA), the university-wide dialogue forum to study and enhance the learning environment at Western Washington University, begins Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 4 and 5.

Grounded in the scholarship of teaching and learning, the TLA's central mission is to create a community of scholars who work together to better understand the existing learning culture, to share that understanding with others, and to enhance the learning environment for everyone. Engaged in studying the intersections between teaching and learning, TLA members include faculty, students, administrators, and staff from throughout the university, as well as several alumni and community members.

The TLA is now in its 17th year, and participants continue to report that participating in the TLA dialogue groups is a great way to connect with others and to learn more about Western’s teaching and learning culture. Others express satisfaction in being able to advance real action steps in making Western an even better place to teach and learn.

Fall quarter is when TLA designs its “BIG” question to study for the rest of the year, so it’s a good time to get involved. This year the TLA is also offering the option of participating in dialogue groups online. The TLA welcomes everyone and offers four dialogue group options to accommodate busy schedules: Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 1:20 p.m. and from 2-3:20 p.m. Dialogue groups meet every other week in the Learning Commons (Wilson Library 2 West) for a total of five sessions during the quarter. The online sessions will be held on Oct. 18  and Nov. 15 from 9-9:50 a.m.

While the in-person sessions are 80 minutes long, attendees are welcome to come for whatever time they have available. Many faculty and staff who cannot stay the entire time will participate for the first 50 minutes as there is a logical break then.

For more information, see http://library.wwu.edu/tla.  To sign up for a regular dialogue group and get on the listserv, email TLA@wwu.edu. (Students: there is also an opportunity to participate in the TLA for LIBR practicum credit. For more information, contact Shevell.Thibou@wwu.edu.)