Dr. Rebekah Oliver has joined the Office of Teaching and Learning as a faculty teaching fellow for the 2021-2022 school year. Faculty teaching fellows provide support and leadership with teaching and learning in collaboration with the director of the Office of Teaching and Learning to advance a culture of learning improvement at NDSU.
As a fellow, Dr. Oliver will:
- Develop knowledge and skills in promoting student learning,
- Develop instructional materials that can support improvement of student learning at NDSU,
- Share instructional expertise to support use of best practices in NDSU classes, and
- Provide guidance to the director and staff of the Office of Teaching and Learning.
When asked what this fellowship means to her, Dr. Oliver says, “I've been blessed with incredible mentors and excellent professional development opportunities, including the Gateways program here at North Dakota State University (NDSU). This fellowship is an opportunity to share with and learn from others who are passionate about excellence in teaching and learning.”
Dr. Oliver’s goal for this fellowship is to discuss strategies for metacognitive learning and how implementation can impact student success. Metacognitive instructors think about their own thinking and structure their classes to stimulate cognitive growth and connections in their students. Metacognition is at the core of effective learning.
During this fellowship Dr. Oliver will facilitate a Fall Semester 2021 book club on metacognitive theory and methods, using Dr. Saundra McGuire's book, Teach Students How To Learn. Participants will implement and evaluate these strategies in their classrooms during Spring Semester 2022. The group will also have an opportunity to learn about educational research from an expert in qualitative research at an upcoming two-hour workshop. More information on this book club will be distributed soon.
Dr. Oliver is an associate professor of practice in the Department of Plant Sciences at NDSU. She teaches Genetics, World Food Crops, and facilitates a thesis and a seminar class within the biotechnology major. Carol Dweck once said, "Teaching is a wonderful way to learn.” This quote is one of Dr. Oliver’s favorites because as she states, “it encompasses my goals for myself as well as for my students!”
NDSU’s Office of Teaching and Learning creates and shares best practices to enhance inclusive learning and teaching. Learn more about the programs and services offered on the Office of Teaching and Learning website at www.ndsu.edu/otl.
