CISL focuses on when, where and how best to reach students

In its continuing efforts to help CCBC stay on the leading edge of student learning theory and practice, the college's Council on Innovation and Student Learning (CISL) is focusing attention this year on new teaching strategies that may help students learn, as well as the assessment of strategies currently in use at CCBC.

To date, CISL has examined new research in three areas. The first is the finding that teenager’s brains are not fully developed until individuals are in their early 20s. "It’s important for instructors and students to be aware of this as it may affect study techniques, class scheduling and use of resources," said Tara Ebersole, assistant professor in Math, Science and Engineering and the coordinator of the Center of Learning and Teaching Excellence.

"We also looked at an assessment of learning communities that supported what we have known all along – that they improve student achievement and retention," Ebersole continued. "Learning communities can occur in many forms and at CCBC we are leaders in this area."

CISL also researched Universal Instructional Design as a factor in enhancing the learning environment. "Just as physical changes to buildings to accommodate the disabled have benefited all of us, teaching changes that accommodate students with disabilities may improve learning for all of our students," Ebersole said.

To learn more about these issues and others, faculty and staff are invited to attend the annual CISL Fair, scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2004 at CCBC Dundalk. This year's theme is "Communicating and Integrating Scholarly Lessons (CISL)." For more information on the 2004 CISL Fair, contact Barbara Yancy at 443-840-1957.