Lightning Round
LUNCH SESSION
Presenters: Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence staff – Missouri S&T
Time and Location: 11:30 – 12:15 p.m.; Room 124
CAFE staff will demonstrate some apps or technologies that can be used in the classroom or to help with productivity. This will be a very high-level, informal discussion of the apps with a brief Q&A period after each demonstration. The best part of this presentation? All of these programs are absolutely FREE!
1-124-1 // Minecraft Education Edition for Engineering
TYPE: Learning Stack Session (15-20 minutes)
Presenter: Dr. Alexander Douglas – Assistant Teaching Professor of Mining and Explosives Engineering; Missouri S&T
Audience: Higher Education; K-12 Education
Time and Location: 12:15 – 1:00 p.m.; Room 124
Minecraft Education Edition is a familiar game with several enhancements for the classroom. This presentation will discuss how Minecraft was incorporated into a single module of the Principles Of Mining Engineering to connect several topics such as computer programming, computer-aided design, introduction to mining methods, rock mechanics, and mineral economics. Time will be allowed to discuss tips, tricks, and other implementation ideas.
1-124-2 // New Case Studies for Molecular Biology
TYPE: Learning Stack Session (15-20 minutes)
Presenter: Dr. Andrea Scharf – Assistant Professor of Biological Science; Missouri S&T
Audience: Higher Education
Time and Location: 12:15 – 1:00 p.m.; Room 124
In this session, I will share the redesigning of a molecular genetics course through the integration of 12 case studies aimed at enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes. A key example involves a newly developed case study where students apply existing knowledge and acquire new skills in molecular genetics methods to solve a guided, real-world problem.
2-124-1 // The Effect of Assessment Format on Student Achievement: A Meta-Analysis
TYPE: Learning Stack Session (15-20 minutes)
Audience: Higher Education
Presenter: Dr. Vahe Permzadian – Assistant Professor of Psychological Science; Missouri S&T
Time and Location: 1:15 – 2:00 p.m.; Room 124
Instructors must choose the most appropriate assessment format for their exams, as even small changes can impact student learning. This meta-analytic review examines the relationship between assessment format and student achievement, while also identifying study characteristics that may moderate this effect. Understanding these moderators helps provide evidence-based recommendations for maximizing student performance and learning.
2-124-2 // A New Strategy for Open-Ended Long Term Creative Projects with A La Cart Rubrics
TYPE: Learning Stack Session (15-20 minutes)
Audience: Higher Education
Presenter: Hunter Dyar – Assistant Professor of Immersive Media; Chatham University
Time and Location: 1:15 – 2:00 p.m.; Room 124
Balancing providing a process with creating a project is a challenge for project-based courses, like those in Chatham University’s Immersive Media undergraduate program, focused on VR/AR design and development. In this talk, we will share our framework for student agency in their work. How we consistently allow for students to get invested in projects they ideated and proposed, where the students can select their own milestones. All this while hitting our learning objectives and deep technological integrations.
The ‘a la cart rubrics’ approach was inspired by graduate-level programs, but implementing it can be challenging. Whether or not this strategy is right for you, the tricks and lessons for managing student projects are insightful for educators of all levels.
3-124-1 // Building Blocks to Big Ideas: AI Scaffolding to Construct Complex Understanding
TYPE: Learning Stack Session (15-20 minutes)
Presenter: Logan John – Director of the Center for Faith and Service; Chaplain of the College; Instructor of Religious Studies; Westminster College
Audience: Higher Education; K-12 Education
Time and Location: 2:15 – 3:00 p.m.; Room 124
This presentation introduces “AI Scaffolding,” a technique where students use AI to progressively explain complex theories or concepts at increasing levels of sophistication. By breaking down difficult material and reflecting on the nuances introduced at each stage, students deepen their comprehension and gain metacognitive insights. This approach highlights how AI can support structured, layered learning across disciplines, fostering deeper engagement with challenging content.
3-124-2 // Promoting Career Readiness by Using Generative AI in the Classroom
TYPE: Learning Stack Session (15-20 minutes)
Presenter: Dr. Kris Bruckerhoff – Assistant Teaching Professor of Business and Information Technology; Missouri S&T
Audience: Higher Education; K-12 Education
Time and Location: 2:15 – 3:00 p.m.; Room 124
This presentation introduces “AI Scaffolding,” a technique where students use AI to progressively explain complex theories or concepts at increasing levels of sophistication. By breaking down difficult material and reflecting on the nuances introduced at each stage, students deepen their comprehension and gain metacognitive insights. This approach highlights how AI can support structured, layered learning across disciplines, fostering deeper engagement with challenging content.