Call for Proposals

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Call for Proposals

Panel submissions are closed for West Chester University's Sixth Annual Scholarship of Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (SoTLA) conference. 

Applications to be a panelist were due by the end of the day on Tuesday, November 30, 2021. 

Panelists were notified of acceptance on Friday, December 3, 2021.  

Panel Format

The conference organizers are looking for individuals interested in sharing their experiences in a moderated panel discussion and Q&A with the audience.

The proposed outline for each panel is as follows:

  • 5 minutes of welcome from the moderator
  • 10 minutes for the panelist slide presentations
  • 20 minutes of moderated discussion
  • 20 minutes for questions from the audience
  • 5 minutes of conclusion from the moderator

The SoTLA conference panels are as follows:

Refreshing Assessment Practices: Exploring Possibilities

This panel will explore the wide variety of alternative assessment practices that differ from traditional methods of summative and formative assessment. Through this critical conversation we would like to unpack the influence of assessment and grading methods as well as engage in an exploration of less heralded options such as contract grading, flexible assessment, un-grading, inclusive assessment, cooperative exams, and other authentic assessment activities. 

Reflecting on Our Courses Through a Lens of Equity

This panel will discuss proactive teaching and learning strategies for nurturing a more equitable learning environment. An equitable classroom environment represents all learners without erasing differences; including a diversity of perspectives and committing to uphold this framework will help us to maximize the potential and ability for success for each student. 

Human to Human: Connecting with Care in the Classroom

This panel is not accepting panelist applications.

During our months teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, instructors and students alike experienced a new kind of humanity through our webcams, with children, roommates, pets, jobs, and numerous other interlocutors competing for our attention. Many instructors attempted to create empathetic, flexible classroom experiences, knowing students were also experiencing heightened anxiety and uncertainty. But did it work? In this roundtable discussion with West Chester University students, we will hear about what approaches worked best from a student perspective and their suggestions for how to re-imagine the classroom in the future.  

Panelist Expectations

The conference organizers are looking for individuals interested in sharing their experiences in a moderated panel discussion and Q&A with the audience. If selected to participate in a panel discussion, you agree to:

  1. Prepare and submit to the conference organizers up to six (6) visual slides to display at the rate of one (1) slide per 20 seconds for a maximum of two (2) minutes to introduce yourself and some big picture, key ideas for discussion with the other panelists. The presentation time limits will be strictly enforced to ensure plenty of time for discussion. You are encouraged to practice ahead of time.
  2. Participate in a preliminary planning session with the moderator and other panelists.
  3. Participate in a practice session prior to the conference on January 14, 2022.
  4. Engage in the panel discussion during the scheduled conference time.

Application Form Fields

  • Name
  • Title
  • Institution or Organization
  • Email
  • Phone
  • Panel Selection
  • Brief description of your relevant experience related to the panel topic
  • Brief biography for use on the conference website (700 characters maximum)
  • Headshot image for use on the conference website

SoTLA Conference Links

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