On Nov. 3, nearly 90 faculty and staff participated in the annual University Assessment Symposium. The event, Shaping Critical Thinking, was sponsored by the University Assessment Committee and the Office for Academic Excellence and Assessment. The highly interactive event showcased more than 30 scholarly posters from across campus describing assessment efforts both inside and outside the classroom. The theme for the day was on promoting and assessing critical thinking in students. The setting allowed interaction between and among colleagues to promote conversations on the opportunities and challenges related to critical thinking with students. A panel of experts discussed recognizing and assessing critical thinking skills in the curricular and co-curricular settings: Amy Wendling, PhD, Department of Philosophy, College of Arts and Sciences; Amanda Guidero, PhD, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, Graduate School; Katie Kelsey, MEd, Student Leadership & Involvement Center, Division of Student Life; Kevin Powers, PhD, Academic Success, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions; and Kaitlin Logan Wimmer, MA, Community Standards & Wellbeing, Division of Student Life. Jean Hearn, Ed.D., Department of Education, College of Arts and Sciences facilitated a hands-on activity which encourage dialogue and a broader conversation on critical thinking experiences with students.
The session provided a forum for further discussion and collaboration around campus on this topic. A related session, entitled Cultivating Critical Thinking in the Classroom and Community with Dr. Lou Jensen, Department of Occupational Therapy, is planned for Nov. 17; 8-9:30; Skutt 105. To register:
https://www.creighton.edu/aea/professionaldevelopmentopportunities/registration/
