This past June, I attend the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education in Halifax N.S.
This conference had many diverse sessions. Two things in particular stuck out. The first was the opening Keynote speaker, David Boud from Sydney, Australia. His talk was ‘Assessing Students : From Constraining to Enhancing Learning.’ His talk looked at how our grading practices can be used as a learning tool rather than just a measurement of achievement. He addressed how assessment interacts with learning. Key to this is the idea that feedback needs to be as continual as possible, with constructive feedback to the students on their work.
Another interesting point, was a lunchtime roundtable discussion I attended that looked at creating a STEM group within STHLE. Discussion occurred between various STEM instructors from Canada and Australia. Such networks do exist in the United States, however STHLE would be an ideal body under which to from a Canadian network of colleagues.
Overall this conference is an excellent opportunity to interact with colleagues from across Canada, and exchange ideas.
Mary Helen Armour, Associate Lecturer, Faculty of Science
