When was the last time you felt completely out of your depth?
For our students, that feeling is a daily occurrence. For experts in their field, however, that feeling is rare. And yet, learning for its own sake is what drew most of us into our careers. Re-experiencing a novice mindset not only reminds us of the wonder, joy, and curiosity that turned us into experts, but remembering life as a novice can also dramatically improve how we teach.
The Harte Center, in partnership with the University Library, is thrilled to announce the call for applications for the Learning Curve Fellowship (LCF). This is a unique opportunity for faculty members to step away from the podium and back into the student’s seat.
What is the Learning Curve Fellowship? The LCF is a two-year transformative experience designed to help you reconnect with the struggle, confusion, and ultimate reward of learning something entirely new. We aren’t looking for faculty who want to deepen their current mastery; we are looking for novices.
- Year 1: The Learning Journey. Imagine a Math professor learning to sail, or a Biology professor joining a poetry workshop. You will receive a stipend and support to cover costs (courses, conferences, etc.) to learn a skill outside your expertise. You will document this journey—struggles and all—with the help of the Digital Humanities Librarian.
- Year 2: Teaching Impact. You will take those fresh insights on motivation, cognitive load, and the “novice perspective” and translate them into public presentations and narratives to help your peers.
The Commitment Fellows should expect to dedicate 2-3 hours a week to the fellowship, including monthly meetings with the Harte Center Director and co-leading workshops.
Why Apply? This is a chance to reinvigorate your teaching practice by embarking on a learning journey. Along the way, you will discover new methods to guide your students on their journeys.