In the early years of their professional
trajectories, university faculty members
are developing their approach
to teaching while continuing to expand
their knowledge in their fields. The Junior
Foreign Faculty Enhancement Program, a
one-time initiative sponsored by the Bureau
of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the
United States Department of State, offers
an excellent opportunity for Central American
and Caribbean faculty at this stage of
their careers to explore current issues in
general teaching methodology and in their
specific disciplines. LASPAU was awarded
a contract from the Department of State in
July 2008 to administer the program.
Fourteen faculty members in the fields
of math and science will participate in
the eight-week program in the summer of
2009. The faculty, who were nominated by
the U.S. Embassies in their home countries,
will enhance their pedagogical skills through
intensive training using the Teaching and
Learning Body of Knowledge (
TALBOK™)
system, attend academic classes in their disciplines
at the Harvard Summer School,
participate in field-related research or lab
work under the mentorship of U.S. professors,
contribute to the Greater Boston community
through volunteer work, and learn
about the United States through cultural
activities.
Program participants will return home
with practical knowledge of the tools and
processes of effective teaching and learning,
increased proficiency in their academic
fields, and a deeper understanding of U.S.
history and culture. Their new knowledge
will be shared with colleagues in their
home universities, and their enhanced
teaching skills will improve the academic
experiences of their students. Similarly,
the faculty and students of Harvard University
and other Boston-area residents
will have a deeper understanding of the
participants’ countries and cultures after
interacting with them during the course
of their programs.
For more information, contact Craig Hastings at
craig_hastings@harvard.edu or 617-495-0432.
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