On August 18, 2025, the Grove Center for Excellence in Science Education hosted its inaugural Sprout Teaching Readiness Workshop, welcoming instructors from across the Eberly College of Science. Designed to support instructors—especially those new to teaching—the half-day event focused on building confidence, fostering student motivation, and designing meaningful learning experiences.
Held in 101 Althouse, the workshop brought together participants from departments including mathematics, biology, physics, astronomy, statistics, and the Advising Center. The Grove Center team facilitated sessions alongside contributors Eric Hudson and Ganesh Anand, creating a collaborative and welcoming environment.
Before the workshop, participants shared their hopes and concerns for the semester. Many were excited about engaging with students, teaching electives, and exploring new ways to connect. At the same time, they expressed anxieties about designing fair assessments, managing large classes (some with more than 200 students), and integrating generative AI into their teaching. Canvas setup and grading workflows were also common stress points.
Sprout’s sessions were designed to meet these needs. The day began with Classrooms and Connections, led by Jennelle Malcos and Melissa Hicks, which emphasized the power of relationships in student motivation. Drawing on self-determination theory and student feedback research, the session highlighted how small acts, such as learning names or using instructor talk in the classroom, can foster belonging and engagement.
Next came Teaching Policy Jeopardy, a playful yet informative session on Penn State’s classroom policies. This was followed by Backward Design and Learning Activities, facilitated by Ana Matković and Meredith Defelice. Instructors explored how to align learning objectives, assessments, and activities to promote scientific literacy and long-term understanding. Strategies included activating prior knowledge, identifying misconceptions, and scaffolding complex applications.
Breakout sessions reflected participant interests, with topics including:
- Help with Canvas
- Creative Ways to Incorporate AI
- Top Ten Tech Tools
- Reflective Practice Using CCEDIR
- Syllabus Tone and Language
- Ask the Expert (Open Discussion)
The closing session reinforced key themes of accessibility, reflection, and iteration. Instructors were reminded that accessible materials benefit all learners, not only those with accommodations, and that small changes in teaching can lead to significant gains in student success. Tools such as MSEEQ and the CCEDIR Observation Tool were shared to support ongoing growth.
Sprout was not only about teaching strategies; it was also about community. The workshop created space for instructors to connect, share, and support one another in the journey of teaching. As one participant noted, “It was refreshing to be in a room where everyone was thinking about how to make learning better, for students and for ourselves.”
The Grove Center is proud to offer resources, consultations, and future programming to continue nurturing teaching excellence. Whether you are new to the classroom or looking to refresh your approach, we invite you to explore what’s next.
