Conference Invitation and Call for Proposals (Formal invitation memo in PDF)

It is with great pleasure that the Academy of Distinguished Teachers, the Center for Teaching and Learning, UMTC, the Office of Information Technology, UMTC, and Instructional Development Services, UMD, announce a one-day conference exploring the issue of Making Connections between Teaching and Learning in the McNamara Alumni Center on the Twin Cities Campus on Monday, April 27, 2009. 

SUBMIT A PROPOSAL

We invite you to submit a presentation proposal for a guided discussion, workshop, or poster session on any topic you feel lends itself to a discussion and exploration of the many ways in which teachers enhance students’ learning through research and practice.  Proposals directly related to the main theme of connecting teaching and learning are strongly encouraged.

Accepted proposal abstracts and contact information will be posted to both the conference website and program.  Other final products submitted may also be posted to the conference website after the conference.

PROPOSAL COMPONENTS ( Proposals are due by Monday, January 26, 2009)

Please include the following information when submitting your proposal:

• Top two preferences for session type (session types are listed below)
• Session title
• Three key words/phrases describing proposal topic
• Abstract (up to 75 words – this will be used for the conference program and online)
  • Write your abstract for a generalist audience.
• Program description (up to 300 words).  Include:
• Session goals
• How the session fits with this year’s conference theme of exploring the connection between teaching and learning
• How you will involve participants relative to your session format
• A description of any materials you plan to provide
• AV needs (you must supply your own lap top computer, if needed)
• Primary contact person (for communication/dissemination purposes); We will communicate only with the primary contact.
• Phone number
• Email
• Campus address
• Presenter name(s) / Title(s) / College/Department/Campus as you want them to appear in the program

SESSION FORMATS

The conference will feature three unique session formats. 

• Guided discussion – 60 minutes; intended to be highly interactive, this format invites facilitators to generate a collective dialogue about the proposed topic. Discussions may be led by individuals or guided by panels.
• Workshop – 75 minutes; intended to encourage participant involvement, this format invites facilitators to emphasize concrete application and discussion.
• Poster Session – 60 minutes; provide presenters with opportunity to display a poster highlighting their project and to talk in more detail one-on-one interested attendees.  The posters will remain on display through lunch the day of the conference.

PROPOSAL DEADLINE

Please submit your conference proposal electronically no later than Monday, January 26, 2009 to herna220@umn.edu.    

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

Conference attendance is free of charge, but pre-registration is required.  Those registering in advance will receive a free lunch at the conference.  Online registration for this event will be available March 2 – April 15, 2009.  Preliminary program information can be found at http://www.adt.umn.edu/conferences/tlc2009/.

Please contact Jeremy Hernandez, herna220@umn.edu or 612.625.5652 if you have additional questions.