March 25, 2024
Professional development series features session about conducting research with tribal nations and communities
Submitted by LaVerne Bitsie-Baldwin
K-State faculty and graduate students are invited to participate in a professional development series via Zoom. Of particular interest is the opportunity to learn about conducting research with tribal nations and communities in Series 1.
In spring 2024, the Energy Sovereignty for Indigenous People, or ESIP, Global Initiative, a collaboration of the University of North Dakota, Kansas State University and North Dakota State University, is sponsoring workshops via Zoom that are open to all faculty and graduate students at the three universities. Registration information is linked through the titles below.
There are four series of workshops: Series 1 is for all interested in learning about Indigenous partnerships, Series 2 is for early career faculty, Series 3 is for mid-career faculty, and Series 4 is for all interested. We hope these offerings will support research teams, from graduate students to tenured faculty, in professional development.
Please contact LaVerne Bitsie-Baldwin, director of the K-State Multicultural Engineering Program and co-chair of the K-State Indigenous Faculty and Staff Alliance, at Lbaldwin@k-state.edu with questions.
Series 1: Collaborating Across Cultures
Oftentimes when conducting research, especially with tribal nations and communities, research universities enact their research agendas and cultural norms and take a paternalistic approach in collaborations. This approach does not allow for a foundation of mutual respect and expertise to be shared. It minimizes the knowledge, connection and culture of these communities and the broader implications of research outcomes. This workshop series will focus on understanding the impact of colonization and current issues facing Native populations in our region and how we can utilize this knowledge to better inform research practices when working with tribal nations and other cultures.
Session 1: History, Cultural Context, and Implications of Colonization on Tribal Nations
March 27 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CDT via Zoom.
Presenter: Prairie Rose Seminole
This session will focus on providing a brief background of the history of Native Nations along with the impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples.
Session 2: How to Conduct Research in a way that Honors the Sovereignty of Tribal Nations
April 3 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CDT via Zoom.
Presenter: Prairie Rose Seminole
This session will build on information presented in the first session and focus on how to collaborate with tribal nations and other cultures and conduct research in an ethical way. This session will focus on data ownership and sovereignty of tribal nations.
Series 2: Bringing Joy to your Teaching Career: How to Fall in Love with Teaching
For new instructors teaching can be overwhelming, especially in the current climate for higher education. Classrooms can begin to feel bogged down with challenges and issues that detract from the joy of helping students learn and the excitement of fostering their curiosity and intellectual growth. This two-session series will center on the basics of creating effective learning environments that allow you and your students to focus on the positive social engagement that fosters their growth.
Session 1: Designing Effective Learning Environments
April 10 from noon to 1 p.m. CDT via Zoom.
Presenters: Wayne Seames and Anne Kelsch
Topics include: Learning modules; the learning taxonomy; the use of assessment instruments to ensure that your students engage with course material; blended and flipped instructional techniques; case studies, problem-based learning assignments and projects; generative AI; and special considerations for remote learners.
Session 2: Techniques that Foster Engagement and Learning
April 15 from noon to 1 p.m. CDT via Zoom.
Presenters: Wayne Seames and Anne Kelsch
Topics include: Improving engagement; concept checking techniques; open-ended questions; using case studies and problem-based learning PBL to increase engagement; tutorial videos and their importance for the current generation of learners; using feedback technology; and engagement with remote learners.
Series 3: Refreshing your Teaching at Mid-Career: How to Fall Back in Love with Teaching
For many mid-career faculty, especially in the current climate for higher education, our classrooms can begin to feel bogged down with challenges and issues that detract from the joy of helping students learn and witnessing their growth. In this two-session series, we will focus on refreshing our teaching by getting back to the basics of creating an effective learning environment and regaining the sense of hope and inspiration that comes with seeing students learn.
Session 1: Designing Effective Learning Environments
April 24 from noon to 1 p.m. CDT via Zoom.
Presenters: Wayne Seames and Anne Kelsch
Topics include: The learning module method; addressing the learning taxonomy; the use of assessment instruments to ensure that your students engage with course material; designing blended and flipped instructional techniques; designing case studies, problem-based learning assignments and projects; generative AI; and special considerations for remote learners.
Session 2: Techniques that Foster Learning
April 29 from noon to 1 p.m. CDT via Zoom.
Presenters: Wayne Seames and Anne Kelsch
Topics include: Organizing the classroom to improve engagement; concept checking techniques; open-ended questions; using case studies to increase engagement; using PBL assignments to increase engagement; tutorial videos and their importance for the current generation of learners; using feedback technology — clickers, polls, etc.; and engagement with remote learners.
Series 4: Networking and Collaborations
Learn how networking with others and forming collaborations can advance your academic career and enrich your academic activities and experiences.
May 8 from 11 a.m. to noon CDT via Zoom.
Presenters: Wayne Seames and Daphne Pedersen