In April, the Howe Center for Writing Excellence (HCWE) organized three workshops, including a two-part series on teaching Syntheses/Literature Reviews and a special workshop on AI tools for Farmer School of Business (FSB) faculty.

The first session of the two-part series on teaching Syntheses/Literature Reviews was led by Lizzie Hutton. The workshop focused on effective strategies for teaching students to read critically and efficiently for their courses. Hutton prompted participants to consider important questions such as: What does reading look like in your discipline? What kinds of reading tasks am I assigning? What kind of prior knowledge shapes the sense you make of valuable texts in your field?

One participant, Meghann O'Leary, shared her experience: "The workshop was accessible and engaging! It helped me realize all of the things I am not doing to engage with students on reading."

The second part of the series, led by Elizabeth Wardle, built on the principles discussed in the first session. This workshop delved into the process of writing synthesis and literature reviews, providing practical techniques to help students move from taking notes to making claims that create strong arguments. Wardle emphasized the application of research-based principles on reading, enhancing participants' ability to guide students through the synthesis process.

In addition to the series on teaching Syntheses/Literature Reviews, HCWE hosted a special workshop for FSB faculty, led by Mandy Olejnik and Rena Perez, focusing on the use of AI tools in the classroom. Titled "Let's Chat about ChatGPT!", the workshop focused on discussions around the acceptable use of AI in educational settings, concerns about academic integrity, and strategies for incorporating AI tools while promoting critical thinking among students.

Participants engaged in a lively exchange of ideas and shared their experiences with AI tools. The workshop addressed challenges and provided insights into leveraging AI technology effectively in teaching practices.

Overall, the April workshops offered valuable insights and practical strategies, underscoring HCWE's commitment to supporting faculty in their teaching endeavors and fostering a dynamic academic community.

For more information on Fall 2024 workshops and events, visit the HCWE website.