Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning

Pre-ITL Workshop: Creating Relevance in General Education Courses

Register Here | Facilitators: Laina Lockett & Eva Erber

Research shows that when students consider course content relevant, their motivation, and thus learning, increases. But how can we make sure this is the case? Whether you teach majors or minors, freshmen or seniors: Whenever students can link class content to their lived experiences or future endeavors, they are more engaged. But which approaches and methods help increase relevance for learners? And how can we encourage them to search for relevance themselves? In this interactive workshop, we will explore possibilities that fit your specific general education course context.

Pre-ITL Workshop: Rethinking Academic Integrity in the Age of AI Through Alternative Assessment

Register here | Facilitator: Breana Bayraktar

AI detection tools are inaccurate, biased, and not an effective solution to concerns about academic integrity. The real solution isn’t better surveillance, it’s removing the conditions that make cheating feel worth it in the first place. This workshop will help you explore how alternative grading schemes can support authentic work and academic integrity.

This event is part of our pre-ITL conference workshop series; however, attendance at ITL is not required.

* Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.

Pre-ITL Workshop: Lecture a Little Less

Register here | Facilitator: Shelley Reid

Did you know that replacing just 10% of your lecture time with a guided activity can improve student learning and performance? Lecture and active learning aren’t mutually exclusive teaching strategies. When you integrate each approach wisely, you improve the effectiveness of both. Join us to plan some small changes with high benefits!

This event is part of our pre-ITL conference workshop series; however, attendance at ITL is not required.

*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.

Pre-ITL Workshop: Designing, Teaching, and Assessing Reflective Assignments

Register Here | Facilitator: Thomas Polk

Want to more effectively guide students away from surface-level reflection toward deep, transformative learning? This workshop will introduce you to strategies for designing, teaching, and assessing reflective assignments. Participants will explore frameworks for guiding students’ reflective learning and consider their assignments in light of these frameworks. This workshop is ideal for faculty teaching experiential and project-based learning, including internships, clinicals, study abroad, Mason Apex, JS, community-engaged, and writing-intensive courses.

This event is part of our pre-ITL conference workshop series; however, attendance at ITL is not required.

*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.

2026 Innovations in Teaching and Learning Conference: Teaching Talks

Register here.

Registration will close September 19. If you did not register and would still like to attend, please email [email protected]. Zoom links are provided in our ITL Canvas course which you will be added to upon registering and accepting the course invitation.

To learn more about ITL, please visit our webpage.

2026 Innovations in Teaching and Learning Conference: Interactive Sessions

Register here.

Registration will close September 19. If you did not register and would still like to attend, please proceed to the Registration Desk in front of Dewberry Hall in the Johnson Center. Room numbers for Interactive Sessions will be provided on the printed programs and At-a-glance poster at the Registration Desk on Friday, September 25.

To learn more about ITL, please visit our webpage.

Deadline: Register for 2026 ITL

Register here.

Registration is now open for this year’s ITL conference! The theme for the 2026 conference is Relevant Teaching. Our hybrid conference will take place via Zoom on Thursday, September 24, 2026 and in-person at the Johnson Center on Fairfax campus Friday, September 25, 2026. Registration closes September 18. Visit our website for more information and to view our conference program.

We are excited to announce that our keynote speakers on Thursday and Friday are Linda Apple Monson and Lisa Gring-Pemble, respectively, both of our 2026 David J. King Teaching Award Winners!

AI Series: AI Tools: Key Considerations for Your Teaching

Register Here | Facilitator: Laina Lockett

In this session, we will review the Stearns Center AI Quick Start Guide. Topics include discussing the most common questions asked by GMU faculty about AI, reviewing recommended resources including the GMU Guidelines for Faculty and Students, demonstrate some of the tools that are available to use, and consider ethical considerations for tool usage as instructors.

*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above. 

 

2025 Innovations in Teaching and Learning Conference: Day 2

Register here.

Registration will close September 19. If you did not register and would still like to attend, please proceed to the Registration Desk in front of Dewberry Hall in the Johnson Center.

To learn more about ITL, please visit our webpage.

2025 Innovations in Teaching and Learning Conference: Day 1

Register here.

Registration will close September 19. If you did not register and would still like to attend, please email [email protected].

To learn more about ITL, please visit our webpage.