Keynote Speakers
Bethany Blankenship
Amanda Muscat
Bethany Blankenship is dedicated to incorporating experiential learning into all her classes. Blankenship’s students have worked on behalf of the Beaverhead County Humane Society, the Dillon Public Library, the Women’s Resource Center, and the Dillon Tribune. Blankenship was chosen by the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education to be an inaugural member of the Montana University System Teaching Scholars in 2019. Blankenship’s research on teaching and learning can be read in the books MLA Approaches to Teaching The Canterbury Tales, Linked Courses for General Education and Integrative Pedagogy, Block Teaching Essentials: A Practical Guide, and The Greatest Lecture I Was Never Taught: Leadership Lessons and Mentoring Moments from the Lives of Everyday Educators.
Amanda Muscat, an academic and researcher at VU, is dedicated to pedagogical innovation and inclusive practice. Since 2020, she has played a key role in designing creative and student-focused programs for Block delivery and teaching in Block mode, continually reflecting on, and enhancing effective pedagogy for Block delivery. Additionally, she has been instrumental in developing and delivering the VU Block Model Induction Program and VU Graduate Diploma in Block Teaching. Her focus is on advancing block teaching and learning through research, with a particular emphasis on active, experiential, and inquiry-based approaches. Her most recent publication in the Journal of Block and Intensive Learning Teaching Association explores university educators’ experiences of block teaching in higher education contexts. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Amanda brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to enhancing pedagogical practices in higher education.
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Bethany Blankenship is dedicated to incorporating experiential learning into all her classes. Blankenship’s students have worked on behalf of the Beaverhead County Humane Society, the Dillon Public Library, the Women’s Resource Center, and the Dillon Tribune. Blankenship was chosen by the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education to be an inaugural member of the Montana University System Teaching Scholars in 2019. Blankenship’s research on teaching and learning can be read in the books MLA Approaches to Teaching The Canterbury Tales, Linked Courses for General Education and Integrative Pedagogy, Block Teaching Essentials: A Practical Guide, and The Greatest Lecture I Was Never Taught: Leadership Lessons and Mentoring Moments from the Lives of Everyday Educators.
Keynote Synopsis
Left to Our Own Devices: First Years on the Block
Full implementation of Experience One, the block scheduling program at the University of Montana Western, began in August 2005. August 2005 was also the start date of my job as an assistant professor of English at UMW. Despite campus-wide preparation for implementing block scheduling, no one knew exactly how such a radical change would affect the university’s numerous first-generation students, many of whom were in need of math or writing remediation. My first year with first year students showed me the block’s unique gift of deep connections that helped both my students and me succeed.
Amanda Muscat, an academic and researcher at VU, is dedicated to pedagogical innovation and inclusive practice. Since 2020, she has played a key role in designing creative and student-focused programs for Block delivery and teaching in Block mode, continually reflecting on, and enhancing effective pedagogy for Block delivery. Additionally, she has been instrumental in developing and delivering the VU Block Model Induction Program and VU Graduate Diploma in Block Teaching. Her focus is on advancing block teaching and learning through research, with a particular emphasis on active, experiential, and inquiry-based approaches. Her most recent publication in the Journal of Block and Intensive Learning Teaching Association explores university educators’ experiences of block teaching in higher education contexts. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Amanda brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to enhancing pedagogical practices in higher education.
Keynote Synopsis
The Building Blocks of Active Learning: Pedagogical Innovation at a Micro Level.
This session will dive into the transformative potential of block teaching, emphasising the necessity of a pedagogical shift to optimise teaching and learning in block contexts. The presentation will examine the intricacies of effective block teaching and learning at a micro level, showcasing innovative approaches to active learning that can reshape teaching practices on the ground. Discover strategies for engaging students and fostering deep learning experiences within the dynamic context of block delivery.