This workshop will introduce faculty to the process of “Decoding the Disciplines” (Pace & Middendorf, 2004) to unpack their expertise into the set of decisions involved when applying the skills and knowledge of their disciplines. The step-wise process of “decoding” allows us to uncover our “expert thinking” so that we can make this process transparent and accessible for our students. The process reveals those points at which feedback is particularly crucial and allows students to develop mastery. Decoding the Disciplines is applicable in a wide range of pedagogical situations, including guiding students in capstone projects or research projects, teaching interdisciplinary courses, and teaching introductory courses.

During the workshop, Professor Takayama will model the decoding process with a participant, and she will also share examples of other applications beyond the individual course.

References

Pace, D. & Middendorf, J. (2004) Decoding the Disciplines: Helping Students Learn Disciplinary Ways of Thinking, in New Directions in Teaching & Learning, vol. 98.

Wieman, C.E. (2019) Expertise in University Teaching & the Implications for Teaching Effectiveness, Evaluation & Training. Daedalus; 148 (4): 47–78. doi: https://doi.org/10.1162/daed_a_01760