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Active Learning and Learner Centered Design: L. Dee Fink, Author, Consultant and Personal Hero.
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Higher education instructors, course designers, and anyone interested in improving teaching methodologies and student learning.
TL;DR
L. Dee Fink, a renowned consultant and author, shares his journey into instructional design, emphasizing the importance of active learning and learner-centered approaches. He discusses how his experiences, from Peace Corps to higher education, shaped his philosophy on creating significant learning experiences that enhance student engagement and outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- Effective course design begins with clearly defining desired learning outcomes and then determining the activities students must engage in to achieve them.
- The speaker's journey into instructional design began unexpectedly through Peace Corps service and teaching without formal training, highlighting the importance of practical experience.
- A pivotal moment in the speaker's development was attending an institute that introduced the concept of backward design: starting with learning goals.
- Faculty development is crucial for helping educators improve their teaching skills, a field the speaker became deeply involved in through graduate studies.
- Continuous learning and applying new teaching strategies can significantly increase student attendance, engagement, and the quality of their learning outcomes.
- Despite technological advancements like the internet, a substantial gap persists between current teaching practices and their potential effectiveness, both online and in person.
- There is a growing global movement to improve teaching and learning, though the US is not always at the forefront of these advancements.
In This Video
- 00:00Introduction to L. Dee Fink
Introduction of L. Dee Fink, author and consultant, and his influence on course design and instructor interaction.
- 00:27Fink's Career and Experience
Overview of Fink's 26 years as founding director and his extensive global consulting work.
- 01:36Significant Learning Experiences Book
Highlighting Fink's influential book, 'Creating Significant Learning Experiences,' a guide for higher education course design.
- 02:06Origin Story: Peace Corps and Teaching
Fink shares his unexpected path into teaching through the Peace Corps in Iran and early teaching experiences.
- 04:36Discovering Effective Teaching Methods
Fink recounts learning about teaching strategies and the idea of designing courses around learning outcomes.
- 05:54Transition to Higher Education
Fink's journey into graduate studies and faculty development, focusing on preparing graduate students for college teaching.
- 07:07Passion for Teaching and Faculty Development
Fink explains his enduring passion for teaching and helping others improve their skills, leading to better student outcomes.
- 08:37Current State of Teaching Practices
Discussion on the gap between current practices and potential, and the emerging global movement for better teaching.
Questions & Answers
Who is L. Dee Fink and what is his background?
L. Dee Fink is an author and consultant who served as the founding director of the instructional development program at the University of Oklahoma and president of the POD network in higher education.
What is L. Dee Fink's most influential book?
L. Dee Fink's most influential book is 'Creating Significant Learning Experiences,' which serves as a guide for designing higher education courses.
How did L. Dee Fink get into teaching and faculty development?
Fink's journey into teaching began unexpectedly with the Peace Corps in Iran, followed by teaching in the US, and later graduate studies focusing on geography and education.
What drives L. Dee Fink to continue his work?
He is driven by the belief that teachers can always learn new strategies to improve student attendance, engagement, and the quality of learning.
What is the current state of teaching practices compared to potential?
There is a significant gap between current teaching practices and what is possible, both in face-to-face and online environments, though a global movement towards improvement is emerging.
Key Terms
- POD Network — The POD Network is the primary and largest professional association for faculty developers in higher education in the United States and globally.
- Faculty Development — Faculty development refers to programs and activities aimed at helping college and university teachers improve their teaching skills and effectiveness.
- Active Learning — Active learning is an instructional approach that engages students directly in the learning process, rather than passive reception of information.
- Learner-Centered Design — Learner-centered design focuses on the needs and experiences of students when creating educational courses and experiences.