Registration now open for Experiential Learning Certification course

During her October 2024 State of the University address, OHIO President Lori Steward Gonzalez announced the launch of a Teaching and Assessing Experiential Learning faculty development certification in summer 2025.

The Center for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (CTLA) has opened pre-registration for the certification course, which will go live June 2. 

Teaching and Assessing Experiential Learning is one of four teaching certifications offered by the CTLA under the Teaching @ OHIO Faculty Certification Program umbrella, and it is one of two certifications designed to scale to any faculty member at the University seeking to develop or elevate competencies in this high impact practice. Broadly, the aim of the Teaching @ OHIO Faculty Certification Program is to develop, recognize and reward innovative, learner-centered, evidence-based, inclusive faculty competencies in teaching, learning, and assessment. 

The Teaching and Assessing Experiential Learning Certification comprises four components:

• Knowledge Acquisition – a set of asynchronous learning modules delivered through Canvas.
• Implementation – application of learning in new, redesigned or existing courses.
• Assessment – formal evaluation of course design and delivery.
• Reflection – instructors’ self-report on implementation effectiveness and next steps.

Professional learning will be delivered through a set of asynchronous Canvas modules designed to enhance understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of experiential learning and establish a practical skillset. Faculty will then develop an instructional plan for implementation and assessment of experiential learning in their own courses. 

The modules introduce participants to Experiential Learning as it’s defined at Ohio University, the types and components of Experiential Learning @OHIO, and how to design and Assess Experiential Learning courses.

Course content includes evidence-based research, implementation examples, instructional materials and supporting multimedia. In addition, content features OHIO faculty exemplars (digital faculty course guides) to showcase examples of experiential learning in practice. Some highlighted experiential learning opportunities include:

• Helping produce The Sycamore Sessions at the Nelsonville Music Festival
• Working with local organizations to understand and respond to systemic causes of poverty
• Conducting clinical anatomical dissections
• Multi-college collaborations to support community food initiatives
• Partnering with local non-profits to help them address emerging and ongoing challenges 

Faculty exemplars include

• Josh Antonuccio, associate professor, School of Media Arts and Studies, Scripps College of Communication
• Paul Benedict, associate professor of instruction in management, College of Business
• Christi Camper Moore, assistant professor and head of Arts Administration, Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts
• T.J. Cyders, associate professor of mechanical engineering, Russ College of Engineering and Technology
• Jodie Foster, professor, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Lisa Martin, assistant professor of instruction, Honors Tutorial College
• Julia Paxton, professor, Department of Economics, College of Arts and Sciences
• Andrew Pueschel, associate professor of marketing and director of the Center for International Business Education and Development, College of Business
• Andie Walla, associate professor of instruction, School of Media Arts and Studies, Scripps College of Communication

Faculty will receive $500 after completion of the Canvas course and $500 following plan implementation and submission of their reflections.

The intended throughline of the Teaching @ OHIO Faculty Certification Program is to advance teaching excellence at Ohio University through improved course instruction that directly improves student learning experiences and indirectly impacts student engagement and student success. 

Faculty, staff, and graduate students are invited to pre-register for the course through this link. When the course goes live, it will automatically appear in their Canvas dashboards.

You can learn more about the course here.