Navigating the Joys of Education Innovation at Taejae University #3

Name: Jiyeon Lee

Title: Solution Designer 

Team: Education Innovation Institute

My name is Jiyeon Lee, affectionately known as Joy, here at Taejae University. True to my nickname, I have always embraced fresh challenges with genuine enthusiasm.

Since the inception of Taejae University and the Education Innovation Institute(EII), I have been fortunate to be part of a journey filled with valuable insights and discoveries. In this article, I am excited to offer a glimpse into our experiences and reflections in EII.

This series will comprise ten concise posts that delve into the subjects that currently engage our thoughts and discussions, such as faculty and students, technology, learning data, community, and organizational matters. Together, we will navigate the exhilarating terrain of educational innovation, sharing the joys and challenges that come our way.

Title of the article: #3 Universities where faculty are passionate about HOW to teach

At Taejae University, all classes are conducted based on the 'Active Learning' pedagogy. This approach diverges from the traditional style, where instructors unilaterally transmit knowledge and students passively acquire it. Instead, active learning advocates for a learner-centered approach, promoting active engagement. This goes beyond mere participation; it involves designing course content and methods that enable students to apply what they've learned in the real world, facilitated through encouraging and supportive teaching methods.

Building on this innovative educational framework, passionate and pioneering faculty members have joined, eager to partake in this educational approach. The collaboration among professors from diverse backgrounds and experiences, adapting flexibly to new systems and teaching methods to deliver top-notch education, has been particularly remarkable. The faculty's affectionate and supportive outlook towards students, along with their willingness to offer any assistance, consistently moves us.

Notably, all newly appointed faculty members at Taejae University underwent an intensive 12-week training program from March to June last year, preparing for 100% synchronous online active learning classes. This training, involving all faculty in workshops, has made Taejae University's educational model uniquely special, enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. It fosters a collaborative program that quickly and flexibly responds to rapidly changing trends.

The 12-week faculty training held last March was divided into three main programs, each tailored to the unique needs and goals of preparing for the university's opening. The Active Learning Workshop (ALW) was one such program, offering 24 sessions over three months. It covered topics such as Professor Stephen Kosslyn's active learning lectures, strategies for managing classes in real-time online environments, and methods for fostering cultural diversity and participation among learners. A practical segment, in which all participating faculty members conducted 100-minute teaching practicums and received feedback, ensured thorough preparation for starting active learning classes.

Additionally, faculty members from various departments participated in the Major Course Development Seminar (MCDS), which aimed at designing courses incorporating active learning. The seminar covered setting learning objectives, designing syllabi, and developing lesson plans, emphasizing collaboration within learning communities. The final session involved practicing model teaching with developed lesson plans, embodying the true essence of learning by using.

The finale was the Teaching Excellence Colloquium (TEC), which focused on specialized training. This included discussions on various technologies for classroom management, Taejae University's educational directions, and more. This program offered in-depth training on Taejae's video lecture platform Engageli, learning management systems (LMS), and metaverse campus. Heated debates on academic policies, AI usage, and lecture evaluation standards enriched this workshop, with discussions directly impacting actual class operations, making it a productive program.

Faculty members, prepared through rigorous training programs, continue to monitor student achievement and upgrading course content through weekly meetings during the semester. This dynamic and ever-evolving teaching approach is the strength of Taejae University's classes. 

As we prepare to welcome new faculty members to our four departments, we remain steadfast in our commitment to collaborate as one unified team dedicated to enhancing every student's educational experience. Together, we look forward to building a brighter future for all our students.