Students had the attention of the professors at the November Lunch and Learn hosted by Shorter University’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and the university’s QEP Committee.

Photo above: Associate Professor of Biology Lisa Keith, who chairs the Center for Excellence in Teaching Committee, introduces the students taking part in a panel discussion on How Today’s Students Learn in the Digital World.

See a gallery of photos from the event.

A panel comprised of students Colby Fisher, Madison Hunt, Jackson Starling, Abbey Jacks, Patrick Sanders, and Elijah Gilbert discussed the topic “Understanding How Today’s Students Learn in the Digital World.” Students shared how their individual learning styles shape the way they learn as well as thoughts about how professors could adapt classroom interaction to aid in improving learning. The panel participants also discussed their worst and best classroom experiences and the effect those experiences had on their ability to learn.

“The November Lunch and Learn topic, How Today’s Students Learn in the Digital World, is so important because faculty really need to understand how current students learn as well as their preferences in lecture styles or methods concerning technology in the classroom,” said Lisa Keith, associate professor of Biology and chair of the Center for Excellence in Teaching Committee. “We can better address learning styles if we understand the techniques that best engage and assist our students in the learning process.”

For Fisher, a junior communication major from Calhoun, taking part in the student panel provided “a unique and special opportunity.”

“I absolutely loved being part of the Lunch and Learn event,” Fisher said. “As a student, I felt so honored that so many faculty members and staff were interested in hearing my thoughts on improving the classroom. I felt this is just another reason why the Shorter experience is so much different than any other experience at another university.”

Fisher added that she enjoyed the interaction with faculty, staff, and her fellow students. “The highlight of the event for me was having the opportunity outside of the classroom to speak with professors and share my ideas as well as connect with students outside of my major that were a part of the panel with me. I walked away having made new connections, and I felt so appreciated by professors and staff afterwards that took the time to thank me for my participation and input and to share just how much they enjoyed our student panel.”

More than 50 faculty members attended the event. Dr. Alan Hix, associate professor of Christian Studies, remarked, “I thoroughly enjoyed the Lunch and Learn, and my mind has been churning with ways to improve student engagement and the use of technology in the classroom. The Center for Teaching Excellence, the QEP, and the student panel did a terrific job. I look forward to the next event.”

Another Lunch and Learn will be hosted in the spring semester, continuing the focus on student engagement and enhancing critical thinking, particularly from a Christian perspective, Keith said.

Founded in 1873, Shorter University is a Christ-centered, four-year liberal arts university committed to excellence in education. The Princeton Review annually includes Shorter on its list of best Southeastern Colleges. The university offers traditional bachelor’s degrees in 40 areas of study, online courses and degree programs, undergraduate programs for working adults, and four master’s programs. Learn more about Shorter at www.shorter.edu.

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