Call for Presentations: Innovations in Faculty Development Symposium

June 3, 2014
Location: Shippensburg University , Shippensburg, PA United States of America

This one day symposium is designed to showcase innovative models and practices designed to support various aspects of faculty professional development. It includes concurrent presentations, roundtable discussions focused on particular topics, and networking opportunities. Individuals involved in leading and conducting faculty professional development activities are invited to attend, submit presentation proposals, and to contribute to a post-symposium online monograph. The schedule of presentations will be available during the week of April 14, 2014.

Presentation proposals are due no later than April 4, 2014.

• faculty learning communities and peer mentoring activities
• the differentiated needs of new, mid-career, veteran, and adjunct faculty
• the exploration and adoption of effective teaching and assessment strategies
• the effective use of student and peer evaluations to improve teaching and learning
• faculty in leadership positions
• the promotion and tenure process
• faculty grant and research activities
• linking service, scholarship, research, and teaching
• the structure, function, funding, and assessment of faculty development programs

Website: http://www.ship.edu/innovation/symposia.

Mental Models of the Prodigy and Gifted

Researchers have often what makes the gifted and child prodigy different from the rest of the population. Memory, intelligence, sensory perception, etc. are some of the explanations. A paper postulated by Larry Vandervert (2007) discusses that the learning power in the gifted is based on collaboration between cognitive functions and memory to create “acquisition of superior power, control, and speed of motor activities”. This results in better selection of potential actions based on representative situations. In this case, practice makes perfect. 

As feed forward cerebellar control models are fed back through working memory areas of the cortex the thought processes of working memory become faster, more focused, and optimally timed (Ivry, 1997). It is the process of developing models, sending through memory, and creating a performance outcome. The models continue to develop with experience and reflection (memory) to create stronger models. 

What is a feed forward cerebellar control model? This is a model based upon experience that makes a prediction that a certain action will have a specific result. Putting your hand out to catch a ball, the words used to communicate with others, and the actions that result in certain benefits in the environment.  As people become more familiar with the world they naturally create predictions to events and actions. 

Child prodigies are often good at a particular function like music or sports. Their success is limited to a specific learned activity based upon practice. As they get older these activities may be applied to other areas of their life. For example, a prodigy in a sport can apply developed models for other activities through experience. Genius is based on the ability to take successful models and apply them to other arenas of life giving one greater insight. 

Imagine if a person builds multiple models in their activities. This person could better predict actions and outcomes to apply more control over their environment. For example, a violinist learns multiple models for playing and can create higher levels of performance. These models often overlap and develop different ways of competing and completing this task at a higher level. The more experience and practice a person gains the better they get.

As more models of the environment are created it develops a hierarchy of different models called Hierarchical Modular Selection and Identification for Control. When a stimulus in flow (an environment stimuli) enters the body from the outside, the gifted can differentiate better and find a model that predicts the outcome and meaning of that information based in their experiences. The more experience and practice, the higher developed the models and the associated actions.

Who are the gifted, genius and child prodigy? They are the ones who create more models of the world around them and can use those models for certain activities. The gifted are those with the potential, the child prodigy is one with specific displayed talent, and the genius are those who have hierarchies of models that apply to multiple areas of life. This is why the child prodigy can sometimes grow into the genius if their models expand to create a hierarchy of thought that leads to abilities in multiple areas.

Ivry, R. (1997) Cerebellar timing systems, in: J. D. Schmahmann (Ed.) The cerebellum and cognition (New York, Academic Press), 555–573.

Vandervert, L. (2007). Cognitive Functions of the Cerebellum Explain How Ericsson's Deliberate Practice Produces Giftedness. High Ability Studies, 18 (1).

Recipe: The Three Minute Chip Dip

Chip dip is something we need from time to time for events, parties, or personal use. It isn’t generally healthy unless the right ingredients are used. Time and taste are often weighed before making a decision to make a particular type of dip. When you are on the go and don’t have much time try this simple sour cream based dip. 

It works with chips or vegetables. It is a touch sweet but it will appeal to most pallets. There is no need to be a chef when you can make this option quickly. If you are making it for personal use you will have plenty left over. 

Directions:

Step1 : Place all ingredients in bowl or blender.

Step 2: Mix until smooth.

Ingredients:

16 oz sour cream

16 oz mayonnaise (use light or alternative Vegenaise if you want a healthier option)

1 oz ranch dressing mix

Finely chopped onion and/or garlic (optional)

2 Tbsp 60 calories

5 g fat

Tips for Healthy and Safe Jogging

Jogging is one of the cheapest exercises one can engage in and provides an outlet for the outdoors. It has high aerobic potential and can be conducted in most locations. As a high cardiovascular sport it will reduce fat, improve blood flow, strengthen muscles, and develop the heart. There are precautions and tips that will help in the process.

Buy the Right Shoes: Purchase authentic jogging shoes. Standard tennis shoes are not designed for repetitive impact and can lead to injury and body stress. With standard jogging routines you may need to replace these shoes every 6-12 months depending on the level of activity.

Stretch: Stretching both before and after a jog will ensure that you are keeping your muscles pliable. It will help reduce potential injury from either over jogging or tripping over an object. Elongating muscles from stretching is beneficial for most sports.

Start Slow: It isn’t wise to start running at break neck speeds without first conditioning. This conditioning process occurs over a few months of consistent jogging. The general rule is that beginners should be able to communicate and talk with someone while starting their jogging routines.

Develop a Routine: As jogging takes time to create a habit and develop the body for more rigorous exercise it is important to start a routine. Generally, three days a week for a half hour is sufficient to get one started. This allows the body 48 hours to rest. Slowly pick up the distance and pace over time.

Adjust Food Intake: One must eat less calories than they take in. As you increase the amount of calories you burn you should also reduce 10% the amount of calories you consume to produce weight loss. When you obtain your proper weight eat the amount of calories you burn each day.