Schedule and Format

Below is the anticipated schedule for the 2013 H.E.L.P. Program: 

H.E.L.P. is an online program which is comprised of six modules. Participants begin by selecting an existing assignment, task, lesson, etc. that they previously used in their teaching career and reworking it throughout the program. Each of the modules builds off the previous one, so that by the end of the program, participants will have a revised and polished product to immediately implement into their teaching. 

Module Descriptions

The H.E.L.P. program begins with a "meet and greet" in module 1. This is designed to help facilitators and participants get to know each other and become comfortable with the working environment. Each participant will be involved in five core modules: The Teaching and Learning Relationship, Lesson Planning, Assessment Strategies, Teaching Methodology, and Using Technology. The sixth module will be where participants integrate what they have learned into part of their course curriculum. Modules will be one or two weeks in length.

It is recommended that participants dedicate approximately 5-6 hours per week to fully benefit from the program. H.E.L.P. facilitators will be available to set realistic guidelines with each module and monitor your progress. 

Module 1: The Teaching and Learning Relationship
This session will explore the unique and interconnected role of teachers and students through major theorists and theories in education (constructivist, behaviorist, cognitive, design-based, and humanistic). A visual framework will be developed for each participant, as they contemplate how to teach their students and create learning environments. The goal is to recognize and explain theories, practice, research, and ethics of each assumption. This module is instrumental in building a good teaching foundation and will provide the architecture necessary for the other sessions.

Module 2: Assessment Strategies
With the push for assessment-based planning and assessment-based change, teachers frequently find themselves asking how they can more thoroughly assess their students in a realistic way. This module explores other assessment options such as rubrics, self assessment, and peer assessment as ways to provide valuable feedback on student learning.

Module 3: Lesson Planning
There is more to teaching than explaining and summarizing content. Considering the learning goals, standards or outcomes is of prime importance when developing an effective, assessment-based curriculum. This module reviews a strategy for developing a lesson with the endpoints in mind from the beginning. Creating a map which outlines all classroom tasks (objectives, activities, technology, assessment, feedback, reflection, etc.) is not new, but higher education faculty may not formally do it. It is a necessary step in teaching and planning.

Module 4: Teaching Methodology
The goal of this module is to provide a thorough understanding of the multiple philosophies that propel different pedagogies of teaching and learning. Through their studies, participants will identify which teaching methodologies closely mirror their own philosophy, and how they can build upon that in the delivery of their lessons.

Module 5: Using Technology
The push for technology has expanded into the educational arena. Now that participants have a pedagogical framework for teaching and a newly revised lesson plan, technology options will be explored to help in the creation, packaging, delivery, and assessment of the curriculum.

Module 6: Putting It All Together
This time is built into the program to bridge the gap between theory and application. Participants will be working on their own to incorporate each module above into part of their course curriculum. Facilitators will be available during this time to assist participants and provide tips towards successful implementation. Presentations from experts and new content will be delivered through both live and self-paced forums to enhance the overall experience.