The Faculty of Pure and Applied Science invites the Acadia University community for a discussion on centring joy in our teaching experiences

 

How can university instructors center joy in their teaching experience? “The Joy of Learning” is a resource developed by the 3M National Teaching Fellows of 2024. In this interactive workshop, Samanti Kulatilake and Erin Austen will introduce participants to this innovative resource to support instructors in creating time and space to rediscover the joy of lifelong learning.

 

A complimentary printed copy of the resource The Joy of Learning will be provided to participants.

 

About the presenters:

 

Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, St. Francis Xavier University, NS

Dr. Erin Austen approaches teaching with compassion and kindness to create the conditions all participants need to flourish. Dr. Austen recognizes the known and unknown challenges students face and designs her classes accordingly. Examples of her efforts range from re-designing the campus outdoors to conducting accessibility audits using first-voice. Further, she willingly shares the resources she creates with her colleagues at St. Francis Xavier (StFX) and beyond.It is evident from the abundance of work Dr. Austen tirelessly engages in, her thoughtful planning, and her ability to listen and respond as needed, that she is a caring educator who keeps students at the centre of her planning and actions.

 

Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB.

Dr. Samanti Kulatilake has an exceptional ability to bring people together in diverse learning contexts. Her educational philosophy explores practices of global decolonization and democratization of knowledge, creating lasting impact for students, the campus, and the field of anthropology. Recognized locally and internationally for her adaptive and inclusive educational leadership practices, she empowers learners and colleagues through experiential learning. Dr Kulatilake’s humility and generosity towards her students and colleagues serve as an inspiration for all of us.

 

Extended bios: https://macleans.ca/education/introducing-the-2024-3m-national-teaching-fellowship-award-winners/