UNC System expert to keynote Active Learning Academy Spring Expo

Laura Pipe, director of the Teaching Innovations Office at UNC Greensboro, will present “You’re Coming in Hot: Active Learning Strategies for the Inclusive Classroom,” during the Active Learning Academy Spring Expo on Wednesday, May 1.

The Spring Expo will be from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Kennedy Building. As part of this event, teams from the UNC Charlotte Active Learning Academy will discuss successful pedagogical practices that foster active learning methodology in the classroom. More than 80 faculty representing colleges from across the University participated in the Active Learning Academy, an initiative sponsored by the Center for Teaching and Learning.

Pipe, the Expo’s keynote speaker, will kick off the event at 1 p.m. Throughout her career, Pipe has developed academically enriched programs that promote integrated learning, teaching innovations and faculty collaboration. She serves on the editorial board of the Journal for Learning Communities Research and Practice and is a consulting editor for the journal College Teaching. Additionally, she is on the Executive Committee of the Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education (POD). Pipe completed a Ph.D. in kinesiology from UNC Greensboro and a master’s in postsecondary higher education from Syracuse University.

Sixteen veteran Active Learning Academy members have collaborated during the past year to author a book about the growth of active learning methodology at the University; the book is scheduled for publication in the fall, according to Jules Keith-Le, instructional design and technology specialist from the Center for Teaching and Learning, who coordinates the Active Learning Academy community of practice.

“The Active Learning Academy has grown exponentially since its inception in 2014. This year we have over 80 faculty participating, and veteran members working through the academy to write a book,” said Keith-Le. “Faculty at UNC Charlotte are engaged and committed to continuous integration of new teaching methods that increase student success and learning outcomes. We encourage everyone interested in active learning methodology and student success to attend this event.”

Prospective attendees should register to attend the May 1 Spring Expo.