In this edition of the Pew FTLC Newsletter:

The truth is not always beautiful, nor beautiful words the truth. While of questionable provenance, this statement strikes me as applicable to many contexts these days. While I reserve the right to change my mind, I offer four ideas that I believe hold true and are worthy of consideration as we prepare for the coming academic year (even if future course plans are simply percolating in the background while you play outside, read for pleasure, grade summer student work, or explore new places). I am happy to go into more detail (as much or as little as desired), either by email, phone, a walking conversation, or over a cup of tea. 

(1) Learning > Teaching > Other Stuff. In making decisions regarding the use of AI tools, for example, I find it helpful to focus first on approaches that support learning, then to think about the acts of teaching, and then lastly on other (but less important) aspects of our work that fall into categories sometimes described as productivity, paperwork, record-keeping, etc. Note: I am purposely omitting the important category of scholarly activities for the moment. I ask myself whether the use of an LLM-based chatbot or generative tool (ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, etc.) has demonstrated positive impact on learning. Or on teaching. What is of primary interest to me is that students learn and faculty thrive while they shepherd student learning. Use of AI in service of the tasks of learning and the acts of teaching isn’t looking so good, so I will keep pressing us to challenge assumptions, headlines, and claims, doing what us academics are so good at: taking in the bigger picture, considering the evidence, and then moving methodically through the research process. Don’t just take my word for it. Here is a sampling of pieces that have informed my thinking: 

(2) Don’t give up on writing. The where, when, and how need much greater attention in the age of AI, but as Anna Mills stated in a recent AAC&U webinar, “It’s more valuable than ever to students. Writing still helps thinking. It’s one of the best ways we know in academia to teach better thinking. And it’s even more important because the skills of interacting with AI are skills of reading and writing primarily.” Redesigning assignments (and grades) to focus on process over product will take time and effort, but the juice will be worth the squeeze. 

(3) We the people. Last month, I highlighted an OER collection of assignments related to democracy and civic engagement. At a recent conference, I learned of a timely and innovative resource out of the Institute for Democracy and Higher Education: the Campus Conflict and Campus Conversation Help Desk. A free and confidential resource for faculty, it is worth exploring the how and why of this resource for yourself, with colleagues, and also with students.   

(4) Single-point rubrics support learning. I don't know that many of us would argue that we need simpler approaches to supporting and assessing student learning. I have spoken with many folks seeking ways to more clearly communicate assignment expectations AND to lighten the burden of grading and providing meaningful feedback. While this topic is worthy of a lengthier treatment, I offer the coolest thing to have crossed my desk this month: a single-point rubric. It may sound silly or snarky, but it is a real, evidence-based approach. Here is a short story and a longer analysis of the approach.  

The Pew FTLC has been busy this summer preparing for New Faculty Orientation, the Fall Conference on Teaching and Learning and collaborating with new partners in General Education, the Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence, and the Center for Student Success and Experiential Learning. So, while it may seem quiet from the outside, many wheels are in motion. We can’t wait to engage you in cool learning opportunities in the coming months. In the meantime, we are available for consultations and questions. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at pewftlc@gvsu.edu or 331-3498.  

Take care- 

-Christine

What are you thinking about or learning more about this summer? Do you want to have a conversation about it with other faculty and/or staff? Now is your time to propose a Learning Community for the Fall semester to do just that!

Learning Communities (LCs) are small, faculty- and staff-led groups that gather around a shared topic for a semester or two. These communities create space for collaboration, new kinds of learning, and the opportunity to meet people across campus.

If you’ve got an idea—or just the start of one—we invite you to propose a Fall 2026 LC. Submit a Letter of Intent using our online form. If you're wondering what’s possible, browse our Past LCs webpage for inspiration from years past. And, if you want to check out our current LCs, check out our Current Learning Communities webpage.

This summer, carve out time to focus on your writing goals in a structured, supportive environment. Join us for 1.5-hour writing sessions on Zoom on select Thursdays from 2:00-3:30PM. Each session includes: 15 minutes for introductions and goal-setting, 1 hour of focused writing time, and 15 minutes to share successes and reflections.

Upcoming dates:

All faculty and staff are welcome!

Traverse City in October? A conference devoted to the scholarship of teaching and learning?  A conference theme of “Motivation and Meaning in Higher Education?” A chance to renew your joy of teaching?! SAY LESS!

For nearly 40 years, the Lilly Conference on College and University Teaching and Learning has provided opportunities for the presentation of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.  Faculty from across the nation gather at Lilly Conferences to exchange ideas and build a repertoire of skills that can be put to immediate use.  And we, at the Pew FTLC, want to send YOU to Lilly!

Our Sponsored Teaching and Learning Event (STLE) Grant covers the full cost of attending a conference focused on teaching and learning. The Lilly Conference in Traverse City is one such conference and we have 10 spots available for GVSU Faculty.  Applications to secure this grant will open on July 1, 2026 so mark your calendars. You’ll be able to apply via the FTLC grants system—be sure to select “Sponsored Teaching and Learning Event Grant” as the “grant type” you are applying for. Applicants will be notified of their approval status no later than August 14, 2026 so you can plan out your fall semester accordingly.  Preference will be given to first-time conference attendees and to applicants who are not already presenting at Lilly.

We invite you to join other educators in sharing, discussing and critiquing the best practices to advance student learning by attending this conference entirely on us!  Be sure to apply in early July!

For more information about the Lilly Conference, visit the Lilly Conference - Traverse City webpage. For more information about our STLE Grant Program, visit our Upcoming STLE webpage—check back often as we add new STLEs throughout the year.