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Cool CATS: Background Knowledge Probe

Curious how faculty use assessment to activate and check students’ prior knowledge? Discover the Background Knowledge Probe, a quick and effective teaching technique. Learn how to implement it in your next course session and check out our resources on how to get started.

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NEW: Quick Read Book Club

Are you looking for effective strategies to deepen student learning without a complete course redesign? This semester’s book club selection, Small Teaching by James Lang, introduces practical, evidence-based tips rooted in the latest findings from the learning sciences. Lang’s guidance encourages impactful classroom changes—such as targeted feedback, meaningful reflection, and brief in-class activities—that instructors can adopt immediately.

The Quick Read Book Club will meet only three times this semester, making participation accessible for busy faculty and staff. 

Please mark your calendars for the following meeting dates:

  • First meeting: Tuesday, October 28, at 1:00 p.m., Room 243, Ritenour Building
  • Second meeting: Tuesday, November 11, at 1:00 p.m., Room 243, Ritenour Building
  • Third meeting: Tuesday, December 9, at 1:00 p.m., Room 243, Ritenour Building

All meetings will be held in person. 

If you are interested in joining, please contact Ana Matković.

Small Teaching is available to read free of charge through Penn State Libraries. Consider joining your colleagues as we explore simple strategies for engaging students and enhancing classroom learning.

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Fall Refresh 2025

You might be interested in Fall Refresh 2025, a virtual event featuring new ideas and tools for teaching. The program includes a keynote session featuring acclaimed author Dr. James Lang on reclaiming student reading in the age of AI. For event information and registration, visit the Fall Refresh Event page. 

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