Center for Teaching and Learning

Teaching and Reading Circles

Development

CTL offers both Reading Circles (a.k.a. Teaching Book Clubs) and Teaching Circles. Reading Circles typically meet five or six times in a semester to discuss portions of a monograph. These circles are facilitated by a faculty member and often last about an hour. Teaching Circles are also typically semester-long endeavors but focus on exploring a single topic in depth via books or scholarly papers. The estimated time commitment for most Teaching Circles is 10 to 15 hours, though some may meet less frequently.

All faculty members are welcome to participate in Reading and Teaching Circles; more information about future circles will be shared via SFA Today and CTL mailings. 

Do you have an idea for a Reading Circle or Teaching Circle? Please let us know, by emailing us at ctl@sfasu.edu.

Spring 2024 Teaching Book Clubs

CTL is sponsoring two faculty-led Teaching Book Clubs this semester. Participants commit to meeting six times for one hour and are provided a copy of the selected book. Space in each group is limited; registration will be confirmed after form submission.

Dr. Heather Olson Beal will facilitate a group that will read This Book Will Make You Kinder by Henry James Garrett. The group will examine how individual efforts can help build a kinder, more empathetic campus and work environment. Meeting dates will be Feb. 1, Feb. 15, Feb. 29, Mar. 21, Apr. 4 and Apr. 18 from 2 to 3 p.m. in Steen Library, room 205. Register for the group by completing this form. Questions? Contact Heather at olsonbehk@sfasu.edu.

Ms. Jamie Derrick will facilitate a group that will read Interactive Lecturing: A Practical Guide for College Faculty by Claire Major and Elizabeth Barkley. The group will examine valuable strategies for designing and delivering dynamic lectures that promote student learning and engagement. Meeting dates will be Jan. 31, Feb. 7, Feb. 28, Mar. 6, Apr. 10, and Apr. 17 from 1 to 2 p.m. in Steen Library, room 205. Register for this group by completing this form. Questions? Contact Jamie at jnderrick@sfasu.edu.