New Innovative Teaching Showcase features the use of inquiry-based learning

The 2016 Innovative Teaching Showcase looks at the ways several Western Washington University instructors use inquiry-based learning to guide and mentor students via well-crafted learning experiences where students actively grapple with essential course concepts. Inquiry-based learning can take many shapes, but at its core, students work actively to make meaning of course content, putting them at the center of their learning.

The 2015-16 Showcase features:

  • Andrew Boudreaux and the Physics Team (Physics and Astronomy Department)
  • Stephanie Treneer (Mathematics)
  • Team from SMATE (Science, Math, and Technology Education): Emily Borda (Chemistry), Deb Donovan (Biology), Sue DeBari (Geology), Scott Linneman (Geology), and Alejandro Acevedo-Gutierrez (Biology)

Seeking Instructor Profiles: 

The science instructors featured in the Showcase are among many at Western who do this essential work; however, inquiry-based learning happens in a variety of disciplines! The Showcase publication includes a “Profiles” page where we can share more ideas for teaching with this method. 

For 16 years, the CIIA has published a new online edition of its Innovative Teaching Showcase—a collection of innovative teaching practices by more than 60 WWU faculty members. The design of the Showcase has evolved into a Creative Commons-licensed collection, catalogued via Western Libraries, and followed by a global audience.

For more information on the Innovative Teaching Showcase, visit http://cii.wwu.edu/showcase/ or contact Justina Brown at 360-650-7210 or via e-mail at Justina.Brown@wwu.edu.

Andrew Boudreaux (Physics and Astronomy Department)
Team from SMATE (Science, Math, and Technology Education): Emily Borda (Chemistry), Deb Donovan (Biology), Sue DeBari (Geology), Scott Linneman (Geology), and Alejandro Acevedo-Gutierrez (Biology)